Thika Town is closer to becoming a City after the Kiambu County Assembly approved a Report supporting its upgrade on the basis of good roads, a growing population, and readiness for growth.
The Report, presented by the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on County Planning and Urbanisation, Wambiri Ngatha, detailed the Municipality’s readiness based on legal, infrastructural, economic and environmental benchmarks.
“Thika has met the legal population requirement of over 250,000 residents as stipulated in the Urban Areas and Cities Act. According to the 2019 census, the municipality has 279,429 people and is projected to grow to over 800,000 by 2039,” Ngatha said.
He further noted that Thika has an Integrated Strategic Urban Development Plan, approved by both the County Executive and County Assembly, which aligns with sustainable urban development requirements.
“The municipality demonstrates solid financial health, with impressive revenue streams from land rates, business permits, environmental charges, parking fees, and more,” he added.
Ngatha highlighted Thika’s essential infrastructure, including roads, water, electricity, health and education facilities, transport systems, and public service offices.
He emphasised the area’s commitment to citizen engagement through projects such as the Thika Industrial Smart City and the Alcohol and Drugs Control Act of 2018.
Edward Kinyanjui, MCA, Nyathuna Ward, supported the motion, terming it a blessing to Kiambu.
“Now Thika becomes the sixth Kenyan city with a national budget allocation. The remaining municipalities will benefit from redistributed funds,” he said.
Peter Mburu of Kamenu Ward said the initiative would transform Kiambu County. “This is a game-changing agenda for our people,” he remarked.
Thika Township MCA lauded the Third Assembly’s commitment, calling it a “recorded achievement”, while Ann Wachera added, “Rome wasn’t built in a day. Let’s support this for the global recognition of Kiambu.”
Deputy Speaker John Njiru of Hospital Ward hailed the historic step. “History will judge this Assembly as the one that helped make Kiambu great again,” he said.
The proposal now awaits further consideration at the national level before Thika can officially be conferred city status.
If successful, it will become the sixth city in Kenya, after Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret.
By Bilha Wesonga
