Thika City? Senate to hold public hearings on bid

Welcome sign to Thika Town. [File, Standard] The final stretch of Thika's long-anticipated journey to becoming a fully-fledged industrial smart city begins in a fortnight as the Senate holds public hearings to gather residents' views on the proposed elevation of the municipality to city status. The Senate Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations will sit at the Mount Kenya University Graduation Pavilion in Thika on April 8, 2026, in what many stakeholders describe as a defining moment for one of Kenya's most historic industrial towns. The public participation forum is among the last major procedural steps before the Senate can make a recommendation to President William Ruto to confer Thika with a charter, making it the sixth city in the country, and the first city in Mt Kenya region. For decades, this vibrant and cosmopolitan town has been more than just a gateway to the Mt Kenya region and the eastern corridor of the country. It has been one of Kenya's most formidable industrial powerhouses. Major stakeholders have already supported the initiative being spearheaded by Kiambu governor Kimani Wamatangi, calling it a necessary recognition of Thika's long-standing contribution to Kenya's manufacturing sector. Chief Executive Officer of Thika Coffee Mills, Maina Ruo, who is also a member of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), said the plans to elevate Thika are long overdue. "Thika has historically been one of the most industrialised towns in Kenya. We fully support this initiative because the new status will come with employment opportunities for our people and more business opportunities. This is a well-thought-out plan," said Mr Ruo. Ruo expressed optimism that the new status would spur social and economic development while attracting fresh investment in the town. "We expect social development to improve and more investors to come in and support the economy of Thika. However, we also need complementary infrastructure such as the dualling of Garissa Road to ease traffic congestion," he said. Thika is strategically positioned just outside Nairobi, offering the advantage of proximity to the capital while providing the space and flexibility for industrial expansion that Nairobi increasingly struggles to provide. The skyline, punctuated by factories, tells the story of a town built on enterprise and productivity. It hosts several institutions of higher learning that supply a steady stream of skilled graduates equipped to drive innovation, strengthen industry, and shape the future of a modern urban economy. Broadway's Bakeries' managing director, Bimal Shah, whose factory is among the oldest in Thika, says the town's industrial DNA makes the transition to city status a natural progression. "Thika has always been an industrial town. We have seen it grow to its current status, but we are excited about the new city designation. We fully support this initiative," Mr Shah said. Shah recalls the town's historic role as a textile hub and expressed hope for industrial revival. "It was once a centre of textile manufacturing, and we want that to come back. The town is thriving in wheat and maize flour milling and has the capacity to expand further," said Shah. He credits the Kiambu County government for creating a conducive investment climate. The push for city status has also energised investors who have already committed significant resources to projects within the municipality. Kamuthi Housing Cooperative Society, which is behind one of the largest housing developments in the area, says the elevation will significantly boost investor confidence.

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