Kiambu MCAs approve Thika's elevation to city status, report heads to Senate
Thika’s bid received a significant boost after Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) unanimously endorsed the report recommending its elevation to an industrial smart city.
Kenya is poised to gain a sixth city as Thika Town moves closer to being elevated to city status, following the Kiambu County Assembly’s approval of a report recommending the upgrade.
The report, tabled by Moses Wamberi Ngatha, Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on County Planning and Urbanisation, outlines Thika Municipality’s readiness based on legal, infrastructural, economic, and environmental benchmarks.
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“The municipality demonstrates solid financial health, with impressive revenue streams from land rates, business permits, environmental charges, parking fees, and more,” said Ngatha.
Thika’s bid received a significant boost after Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) unanimously endorsed the report recommending its elevation to an industrial smart city.
Several MCAs spoke in support of the motion. Nyathuna Ward MCA Edward Kinyanjui described the development as a blessing for Kiambu, highlighting that city status would enable Thika to receive direct national budget allocations.
Kamenu Ward MCA Peter Mburu noted that the move would accelerate transformation in Kiambu County.
“It is our dream to make the entire Kiambu County a city. But since Rome wasn’t built in a day, we begin by making Thika Municipality a city,” said Mburu.
Deputy Speaker John Njiru, representing Hospital Ward, praised the Assembly’s action as a legacy-defining step for the county.
Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi confirmed that the report would now proceed to the Senate for consideration, expressing optimism about Thika’s readiness for the transition.
If approved, Thika will become Kenya’s sixth city, joining Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret.
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