Residents of Sagana, Kagio and Wang’uru towns have supported a proposal by the County Government of Kirinyaga to create two new municipalities.
The move seeks to strengthen urban planning, enhance infrastructure, and open up access to funding from the National Government and development partners.
Under the proposal, Sagana and Kagio will be merged into one municipality, while Wang’uru will stand independently.
County officials say the plan is driven by rapid population growth, increased business activity, and the need for better urban management to support expanding economies in the three towns.
Speaking during the public participation forums held across the towns, County Executive Committee Member for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Rev. Samuel Kajobe, said the engagement was key in ensuring residents’ views inform major development decisions as required by Article 10 of the Constitution.
“We began this process to assess the feasibility of creating two new municipalities. Sagana-Kagio as one and Wang’uru as a stand-alone,” he said.
Kajobe mentioned that Sagana, Wang’uru, and Kagio are poised for rapid urban growth, with expanding populations and strong economic activity driven by trade and industrial development.
“Sagana’s population is projected to reach about 175,000 due to the ongoing construction of an industrial park while Wang’uru’s catchment area extends to Murang’a, Nyeri and Embu, bringing its expected population to over 100,000. Kagio is expanding rapidly due to the fresh produce market,,” he added.
Rev. Kajobe noted that the county is already reaping big from the Kerugoya–Kutus Municipality and expanding municipal coverage will promote balanced development across the county.
The mapping and boundary review process is being led by a committee chaired by Irene Kiatu from the IEBC, who said the team was established in April this year to guide the process and collect residents’ views.
“We are pleased with the turnout in Sagana. Residents are showing real interest in shaping the future of their towns,” she said.Kariti Ward Member of the County Assembly (MCA) Jeremiah Makimi, welcomed the initiative, recalling that Sagana andKagio once had a town council before devolution.“Only Kerugoya and Kutus currently enjoy municipal benefits in Kirinyaga. If full municipality status is not possible, at least granting town status will help us qualify for KURA-constructed roads, set up local management committees, and establish facilities such as fire stations and reliable water supply,” he said.Residents and business owners also expressed optimism that the elevation will transform their towns and create new opportunities. Mary Nyawira, a trader from Kagio, said the plan will attract investors and generate jobs.“This is good news for us. With additional funding from development partners and the national government, we expect better markets, proper planning and more business spaces,” she said.Wachira Njogu, a traders, said upgrading of the town’s status were long overdue.“You cannot plan for Kagio without its people. Municipality status will bring better roads, sewer systems, and improved public amenities,” he said, adding that it will also help resolve jurisdictional challenges since Kagio lies between Mwea West and Kirinyaga West sub-counties.Similar sentiments were echoed in Wang’uru town. James Murimi proposed that neighboring centres such as Kimbimbi, Mutithi, Kiamanyeki, Gathigiriri and Thiba be included in the municipality to boost development. Grace Wanja said residents have long waited for the upgrade.“A municipality will allow us to build better towns, attract investors and access essential services like fire response locally instead of relying on Kerugoya,” she said.Once approved, the municipalities will qualify for additional funding to improve roads, sewer systems, drainage, waste management and markets.
