Thika Town is a step closer to being elevated to city status after the Kiambu County Assembly unanimously approved a report recommending its upgrade.
The decision was based on Thika’s well-developed infrastructure, growing population, and demonstrated readiness for further growth.
The Report, presented by Wambiri Ngatha, Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on County Planning and Urbanisation, meticulously detailed the Municipality’s preparedness across 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,” Ngatha stated. “According to the 2019 census, the municipality has 279,429 people and is projected to grow to over 800,000 by 2039.”
Ngatha further highlighted that Thika possesses an Integrated Strategic Urban Development Plan, which has received approval from both the County Executive and County Assembly, aligning with sustainable urban development requirements.
He added that “the municipality demonstrates solid financial health, with impressive revenue streams from land rates, business permits, environmental charges, parking fees, and more.”
The report also underscored Thika’s essential infrastructure, including robust roads, water and electricity supply, health and education facilities, efficient transport systems, and accessible public service offices.
Ngatha emphasized the area’s commitment to citizen engagement, citing projects such as the Thika Industrial Smart City and the Alcohol and Drugs Control Act of 2018.
Edward Kinyanjui, MCA for Nyathuna Ward, supported the motion, calling it a “blessing to Kiambu.” He noted, “Now Thika becomes the sixth Kenyan city with a national budget allocation. The remaining municipalities will benefit from redistributed funds.”
Peter Mburu of Kamenu Ward remarked that the initiative would “transform Kiambu County,” calling it a “game-changing agenda for our people.”
Thika Township MCA lauded the Third Assembly’s commitment as a “recorded achievement,” while Ann Wachera urged support, stating, “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 move as historic, asserting that “History will judge this Assembly as the one that helped make Kiambu great again.”
The proposal now moves to the national level for further consideration before Thika can be officially conferred city status.
If successful, Thika will become the sixth city in Kenya, joining Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret.
