Thika Town’s Journey To Acquire City Status Kicks Off The Legislative Process
Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi hands over the ad hoc report to the County Assembly leadership led by Speaker Chrles Thiong'o. Photo/Kamau John
By Kamau John
Worth Noting:
- In collaboration with the national administration, the regional government will be allocating Sh 1 billion annually for infrastructure development in support of the project which has been allocated 690 acres ceded by Del Monte fruit processing company.
- Governor Wamatangi divulged a raft of developments have been lined up towards achieving the smart City which include infrastructure, water, health, education, trade, and other necessary initiatives to ensure the town matches city status.
- This, he noted, ranges from a Sh 5.7 billion water reticulation project, which is being implemented in partnership with the national government to improve the capacity of Thika Water and Sewerage Company, to Sh 500 million allocated for walkways and non-motorized transport.
The quest by the Kiambu County Government to make Thika Town the sixth City in the country has started its legislative course after the Governor Kimani Wamatangi handed over the ad hoc report and charter to the County Assembly of Kiambu for approval.
The Governor, handed over the report and charter by the ad hoc committee that was chaired by former Senator Sylvia Kasanga, to the County Assembly Speaker and Clerk during a ceremony held at Mount Kenya University Graduation Pavilion in Thika.
Wamatangi handed over the report to the County Assembly of Kiambu Speaker Wakili Charles Thiong’o and Clerk John Mutie, where the House is expected to approve it for onward submission to the Senate.
Once the Senate approves the report, it will be escalated to President William Ruto, who will then confer the town with a City Charter.
The governor said the city status will see the town attract more development, such as infrastructure, and also create over 50,000 jobs.
Kasanga said the report was thorough, noting that it began with public participation among the people before report writing.
In collaboration with the national administration, the regional government will be allocating Sh 1 billion annually for infrastructure development in support of the project which has been allocated 690 acres ceded by Del Monte fruit processing company.
Governor Wamatangi divulged a raft of developments have been lined up towards achieving the smart City which include infrastructure, water, health, education, trade, and other necessary initiatives to ensure the town matches city status.
This, he noted, ranges from a Sh 5.7 billion water reticulation project, which is being implemented in partnership with the national government to improve the capacity of Thika Water and Sewerage Company, to Sh 500 million allocated for walkways and non-motorized transport.
He said additionally, his administration is installing 2,500 solar streetlights whereas the Kenya National Highway Authority is set to dual the Thika-Kolpin section of the Garissa road to ease congestion.
“These projects are not just about infrastructure. They are also about creating job and business opportunities for our people,” said Wamatangi.
Under the Kenya Urban Support Programme, the county administration is implementing Sh256 million on infrastructure projects while the Thika Stadium is being modernized at Sh 250 million to provide a world-class venue for local and national events.
Madaraka, Jamhuri, and Kiganjo markets have also been earmarked for significant investments with Sh 1 billion injected to enhance these trading hubs, besides plans to move the GK prison from CBD to the outskirts of the town.
Future projects include a proposed airstrip at Del Monte, a Sh 2 billion light rail system, established ICT and tech hubs and the modernization of hospitals and ECDE centers to meet the population’s needs.
However, the Governor cautioned that the process will not be a walk in the park as it faces opposition by critics including politicians.
“It is not going to be an easy walk, we must accommodate the wishes and aspirations of our people. There have been claims that people will be evicted but I can assure you that noone will be kicked out of their homes,” said Wamatangi.
He also told residents to ignore propaganda also that cost of living will shoot up if town is upgraded to a city.
Wamatangi was accompanied by county ward reps among them Kennedy Mwangi (Township), John Njiru (Hospital) and Peter Mburu (Kamenu).
Deputy Speaker John Njiru who is also the Hospital Ward MCA said the status would lead to massive job opportunities and economic growth.
Mt Kenya University Vice Chancellor Deogratius Jaganyi said the move to elevate Thika to a city was a major boost to the growth of the town.
The ad-hoc and County technical committees have been mandated to midwife the town’s elevation into an industrial smart city and the process will culminate with the President conferring it with a charter.
The committees are also tasked to meet the stringent requirements of the Urban Areas and Cities Act to facilitate the conferment of the town, which is today a municipality to City status.
Once regarded as the industrial town of Kenya, Thika is set to reclaim its lost glory by becoming the first city in the Mt Kenya region.
Thika will experience substantial benefits upon attaining city status, including infrastructural development, improved social standards, and economic growth through establishing new businesses, increased property values, and economic empowerment via a 24-hour economy.
The new Export Processing Zone and affordable housing projects are set to generate over 50,000 jobs and make Thika an attractive destination for local and international investors.
The County has allocated 325 acres and gazette the EPZ, which is expected to increase investment opportunities and attract local and international investors in the manufacturing sector, agro-processing, and technology, fostering economic growth.
The County has also partnered with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to manage waste better at the Kang’oki dumpsite and adopt inventive semi-aerobic landfill techniques.
Nestled in the heart of Kiambu County, Thika, situated along the Nairobi-Nyeri highway and with a population of over 700,000, is poised to become Kenya’s newest Industrial Smart City.
With its elevation into an industrial smart city, Thika town is expected to have enhanced international visibility, opening doors for various opportunities and collaborations on the global stage.
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