Stakeholders in Thika have intensified efforts to prepare the town for the anticipated conferment of city status, with leaders, investors, businesspeople and institutions joining a sensitisation walk aimed at showcasing the area’s potential while identifying key areas that require urgent improvement.

The walk brought together representatives from the business community, county government, learning institutions and environmental groups, who said Thika must position itself as an attractive destination for investors as it prepares for a possible transition into a city.

Speaking during the exercise, Alfred Wanyoike said the initiative was aimed at preparing residents and showcasing the economic opportunities, institutions and other resources available in Thika to both local and external investors.

He said the exercise was also intended to create awareness among residents and stakeholders on the need to work together in preparing the town for the new status.

Kiambu County Executive Committee Member for Sports Osman Korar said efforts were already underway to improve the appearance and functionality of the Central Business District, including the installation of street lights to support a 24-hour economy.

Korar said the county government had also intensified clean-up activities in collaboration with the business community, corporate organisations and officers from the environment department.

Mount Kenya University Corporate Affairs Principal Prof Peter Wanderi said attaining city status would come with greater responsibilities and called for teamwork among all stakeholders.

He said Thika had an opportunity to embrace sustainable development and volunteerism as part of its growth agenda, noting that the town could position itself as a hub for volunteer activities at both the national and international levels.

Businessman and environmental champion George Wachiuri, however, called on the national and county governments to urgently address infrastructure challenges, particularly the expansion of roads to ease the increasing traffic congestion.

Wachiuri said Thika’s population was expected to grow further as more housing developments, including affordable housing projects, are completed, increasing pressure on the existing infrastructure.Other members of the business community, including barber operator Moses Kirinya, called for the improvement of feeder roads and other basic infrastructure, saying residents and small-scale traders should also benefit from the transformation of Thika into a city.