Leaders, industrialists and residents in Kiambu County have intensified calls to fast-track the elevation of Thika Municipality to city status, saying the town is ripe for the upgrade but warning the transition must be inclusive and not come at a heavy cost to ordinary residents.
Led by industrialist Bimah Shah, CEO of Broadways Ltd, stakeholders said Thika’s robust manufacturing base, large population and established infrastructure meet key thresholds.
Shah, also chair of the Thika Industrialists Association, said the town, home to major bakeries, biscuit manufacturers, oil mills, flour processors and emerging data centres, among several other industries, ranks among the country’s most competitive industrial hubs.
Speaking when the Senate Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations Committee conducted public participation on the conferment, Shah said city status would unlock expansion, attract investment and boost productivity.
“We know the cost of becoming a city in terms licensing, land rates and as industrialists, we are ready. We also hope that services and infrastructure development will match this,” said Shah
Educationists led by Vincent Gaitho, the chairman of Mount Kenya University Council backed the bid but called for urgent infrastructure upgrades. Gaitho cited congestion during graduation ceremonies as a sign of weak traffic management and planning, and urged improvements in sanitation, drainage and public space organisation.
Other stakeholders raised concerns over water shortages, saying frequent rationing continues to affect residents. They called for tapping the Kariminu II Dam in Gatundu North to boost supply from 40,000 to over 75,000 cubic metres daily, and proposed a dual carriageway from Njomoko to Gatuanyaga to ease access and open up the town.
Small-scale traders, led by Joshua Njuguna, supported the proposal but warned against exclusion. They called for modern markets and fair, non-punitive licensing and rates, and sought clarity on plans for key facilities, cautioning against displacement and rent hikes.
Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thangwa said Thika is largely compliant but requires final verification of infrastructure and governance systems. Governor Kimani Wamatangi said a masterplan in place since 2017 is guiding upgrades in roads, lighting, education and industrial parks.
The committee was led by Deputy Chair Margaret Kamar who said the views will be incorporated and where there will be gaps which needs county leadership interventions, they should be addressed.
Under Kenyan law, a municipality must meet set criteria before being granted a city charter approved by the Senate and the President. Leaders urged swift approval, saying the upgrade will create jobs and improve services without sidelining residents.
by Muoki Charles
