Thika awaits Senate verdict on city status push
Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, who led county officials to present the resolution, remains hopeful that the Senate will approve the request.
The future of Thika’s plan to become Kenya’s sixth city now lies with the Senate’s Devolution Committee, which has formally begun examining a resolution approved by the Kiambu County Assembly.
This step marks a critical phase in the process that could see Thika elevated from a municipality to a city.
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The county assembly’s resolution was referred to the Senate on Tuesday by Speaker Amason Kingi, who urged the committee to move quickly with the review and report back to the Senate.
“I direct that the committee expedites consideration of this matter and table the report for the Senate’s consideration,” Kingi stated.
Last month, Kiambu MCAs adopted the proposal to grant city status to Thika after reviewing a report from the planning and urbanisation committee.
The committee’s findings were based on extensive public consultations and technical assessments.
Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, who led county officials to present the resolution, remains hopeful that the Senate will approve the request.
Earlier this year, he submitted a report to the county assembly from an ad hoc committee assigned to oversee the city status bid.
This committee, led by former nominated senator Sylvia Kasanga, received wide support from the public and stakeholders.
The report confirmed that Thika meets the Urban Areas and Cities Act requirements, with a population recorded at 279,429 during the 2019 census and expected to reach over 800,000 by 2039.
It also highlighted the existence of an approved Integrated Strategic Urban Development Plan, which aligns with national and international urban development standards.
Furthermore, Thika boasts a strong financial position, generating revenue from land rates, business permits, environmental fees, and other sources. The municipality is equipped with vital infrastructure such as roads, electricity, water supply, health, and education facilities.
If the Senate committee endorses the resolution and the Senate passes it, the recommendation will be sent to President William Ruto. The President has the authority to grant city status by issuing a charter, finalising Thika’s transformation.
The Devolution Committee now holds a significant responsibility as it deliberates on this important proposal, which could bring major development opportunities to Thika and Kiambu County.
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