Thika town’s ambitious bid to become Kenya’s sixth city has gained momentum with Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi submitting a city charter to the county assembly for approval.
Wamatangi launched Thika town’s quest for city status by handing over an ad hoc report and charter to the county assembly.
The proposal, prepared by a committee chaired by former Senator Sylvia Kasanga, now moves to the Senate before reaching President William Ruto.
Wamatangi said city status would boost infrastructure and create 50,000 jobs.
“Tukipata hii city, kuna manufaa hata sisi tukiwa uhai tutaipata. Hapa tumeambiwa na hawa viongozi kuwa sisi tuliitwa Birmingham miaka ya 1970s na 1960s…Nataka niwaambie kwa vile ni vizuri, hapa tuko na wasomi wengi ndani ya nchi ya Kenya. Zile county na community zenye wanapeleka pesa na rasilimali mingi kwa serikali kwa upande wa industrialization, sisi tunaita industries zetu. Namba moja ni Nairobi, namba mbili Mombasa, na namba tatu ni Kiambu,” said Wamatangi.
Deputy Speaker John Njiru and Mt. Kenya University Vice Chancellor Deogratious Jaganyi welcomed the move, citing economic growth.
The assembly’s decision will determine Thika’s path to becoming Kenya’s sixth city.
“Our findings, therefore, mwananchi, confirm that Thika municipality meets the criteria for city status as outlined in the Urban and Cities Act of 2011, amended in 2019,” stated Ad Hoc Committee Chairperson Sylvia Kasanga.
“But more importantly, Thika has demonstrated its readiness to embrace the responsibility and opportunities that come with being a city. Our recommendation is that Thika is ready for city status.”
