Thika moves closer to becoming Kenya's next industrial Smart City

Thika Town. [Courtesy]

The journey towards transforming Thika Town into an Industrial Smart City is inching closer to reality, with the Kiambu County Assembly unanimously approving the plan.

In a major boost to the initiative of restoring the former industrial giant to its former glory, Ward Representatives endorsed the report prepared to facilitate the conferment of city status.

As the clock ticks towards the realisation of the dream spearheaded by Governor Kimani Wamatangi, the report now heads to the Senate, where it will be considered before the final steps are taken.

The report, prepared by the County Assembly Committee on Planning and Urban Development and tabled on Thursday last week by the committee chair and Murera Ward MCA, Moses Ngatha, received overwhelming support from MCAs, who hailed the proposal as a major win for Kiambu County.

Those supporting Thika’s elevation noted that the town, once dubbed the “Birmingham of Kenya,” is a sleeping giant poised to unlock its full potential upon receiving city status.

Ngatha, the mover of the motion, said the ad hoc committee tasked with midwifing the process of making Thika an Industrial Smart City did a superb job, as evidenced by the report tabled before the County Assembly.

He noted that various stakeholders held the view that Thika had long been overdue for city status, based on its population, infrastructure, and vast potential in both agriculture and commerce. “As a committee, we considered stakeholders’ input, and it was clear there was overwhelming support for Thika to become the first city in the Mt Kenya region,” said Ngatha.

The Leader of Majority, Godfrey Mucheke, described the journey as “long, but we are finally here to make the plan a reality.”

He said that Thika, a vibrant town by all standards, had met all the requirements necessary to attain city status. “One thing I can confirm is that, if there is one issue we have all built consensus around as a House, it is the Thika Industrial Smart City initiative. Everyone agreed that the time had come, and we are happy that now it is happening,” Mucheke said.

Mucheke also thanked Governor Wamatangi for initiating the process that will attract more investors and bring in additional development resources. He praised the governor for ensuring a smooth and well-guided process.

Kiambu County Assembly Deputy Speaker John Njiru, also the MCA for Hospital Ward in Thika Municipality, said city status would increase Thika’s revenue base and unlock more funding for development.

“We are now waiting for the Senate to play its part, after which the President will confer the charter. As local leaders, we believe this new status will benefit our people by driving development and attracting investors,” Njiru said.

Supporting the report, Kamenu MCA Peter Mburu, also from Thika Municipality, said the elevation would be a historic milestone for the Third Assembly.

“When history is written, this Assembly will be remembered as the one that passed this landmark decision and opened doors for greater development. Our dream is to see the entire Kiambu County elevated to city status,” Mburu noted, adding; that Thika is well prepared for city status, citing its strong infrastructure, strategic location near Nairobi, and a well-established industrial base.

The report will now proceed to the Senate for review. If approved, Thika will become Kenya’s sixth city, joining Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret.