Senate backs elevation of Thika to a smart industrial city

The Senate Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations has recommended that Thika Municipality be elevated to a smart industrial city, saying it meets all legal requirements under the Urban Areas and Cities Act.

The committee found that the municipality has adequate infrastructure, public amenities and essential services to support city status after reviewing reports submitted by the Kiambu County Government.

As part of the assessment, the committee conducted public participation, consulted key stakeholders, verified population and revenue data, and inspected roads, health facilities, water and sewerage infrastructure.

The committee concluded that Thika has demonstrated its readiness for city status, paving the way for the Senate to consider and approve the recommendation.

“Thika has been known as the Birmingham of Kenya for four years because of Industrialization. We have good infrastructure, factories, companies and industrial facilities that were established many years ago, and they are still there. We just need to revitalise them,” said Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi.

Broadway's Kenya Managing Director, Bimal Shah, added, “We have also seen many industries relocate from Nairobi to Thika over the last 10 years. That is a clear indication that the conditions put in place by the county government have enabled industries to thrive in Kiambu County, especially in Thika.

"We now have city status. Of course, we know that some rates and other charges may increase, but attaining city status is a positive development for any town."