Kiambu MCAs Pass On Application On Conferment Of Thika Town To A City
The Mt Kenya Times 
Murera Ward MCA and the Chairman of the planning committee at the Kiambu County Assembly Moses Ngatha
By John Kamau
Thika Municipality could soon attain city status, after members of the County Assembly (MCAs) of Kiambu passed the report on application by the County Executive for its elevation to being a city.
The report laid by the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on County Planning and Urbanization Moses Ngatha Wambiri outlined factors that led to the approval.
The Chairman said that Thika meets the required population threshold of 250, 000 residents as required by the Urban Areas and Cities Act with a current population of 279, 429 according to 2019 Population and Housing Census.
It is projected to have an estimated population of 442,919 in the year 2035 and 808,434 in 2039 using a growth rate of 3.4 percent per annum as stipulated in the National Spatial Plan (NSP).
Ngatha said that among the factors that led to the nod by the Committee is the already developed Integrated Strategic Urban Development Plan that has been duly approved by both the County Executive and the County Assembly, ensuring alignment with the development needs of the municipality as required by the law.
He said that Thika has the potential for revenue collection. Currently, the Municipality is among the highest revenue generating sources from a variety of sources, including local taxes such as land rates, business permits and licenses, pollution, waste, and environmental charges, parking and transport fees, as well as county equitable shares.
“Based on the financial analysis of previous years, the Municipality demonstrates both sufficient revenue generation capacity and a strong potential for continued growth in revenue streams hence it has capacity to sustain operations,” he noted.
He said that the Municipality currently has provision of essential services as per Schedule 1 of the Urban Areas and Cities Act, 2011. It has a well equipped and robust planning and development control section that helps in approving applications, implements policies, provides public advisory services, and ensures regulatory compliance as well as adequate and qualified personnel.
The Chairman also outlined that the town contains essential infrastructure such as roads, a robust transport system, storm water management facilities, electricity, water supply, as well as key social and healthcare facilities, education institutions, recreational areas, several police stations, and markets.
In the previous years, Thika Municipality has demonstrated a strong commitment to citizen engagement through various initiatives including public involvement in projects such as the Thika Industrial Smart City, the County Spatial Plan, the County Fiscal Strategy Paper, and the Alcohol and Drugs Control Act of 2018.
The Murera ward MCA also noted that the area has adequate space for expansion and future growth, which is crucial for sustainable urban development. Given that the Municipality is reliant on agriculture, the preservation of agricultural land remains essential for sustainable food production.
He said, “The County Spatial Plan emphasizes compact urban growth and discourages urban sprawl by encouraging vertical development in central business districts (CBDs) and residential/commercial zones. This strategy supports the development of a sustainable city, promoting reduced car dependency, lower carbon emissions, improved public transport, and the preservation of green spaces.
“Additionally, the Municipality has access to ample space for expansion, including the Delmonte property and other underdeveloped areas. At the same time, Thika Municipality has made strides in managing solid waste through the Directorate of Environment, which currently handles 140 tonnes of waste daily, with 60% of waste collected and 30% recycled,” he Added.
Ngatha noted that the Municipality operates a landfill at Kang’oki and utilizes the Gatuanyaga site for asbestos disposal. He added that a solid waste management policy is underway, with several public awareness initiatives being conducted.
“while the private sector plays a role in waste management, better regulation is necessary to improve efficiency. Proposals are being considered to introduce waste segregation and incineration at Kang’oki to enhance waste management practices further,” he stated.
While supporting the initiative, the MCAs said that the elevation will see more funds channeled to Kiambu with the current share of the Municipality being split to the other municipalities.
Nyathuna Ward MCA Edward Kinyanjui said, “this is a blessing to Kiambu because now Thika makes the sixth Kenyan City where it shall have a budget and allocation of its own from the National Government, now the other municipal allocations can be divided another the others municipalities to foster development.”
His Kamenu ward counterpart Peter Mburu said that the initiative is a transformation agenda for Kiambu County while Thika Township MCA Honorable applauded the third Assembly for actualizing the dream terming it a recorded achievement.
Ann Wachera supported saying, “Rome was not built in one day. I urge all to support the application even if not all of us live in Thika because this will extend our global recognition as a County.”
The Deputy Speaker John Njiru (MCA, Hospital Ward) said that history will serve the third Assembly better as a major milestone of making Kiambu great again.
Similar Posts by The Mt Kenya Times:
- Mt Kenya Times ePAPER August 20, 2026
- Ruto gives officials one week to resolve health workers’ salary arrears
- Powering Khwisero’s next chapter of inclusive development
- El Niño and Kenya’s 2027 election: Why preparedness must begin before the rains
- The untouchable goons: Why Kenya’s protest violence keeps disappearing into the crowd
About the Author
