Kiambu MCAs endorse report to elevate Thika to city status

Kiambu County Assembly has passed the report on application by the County Executive for the elevation of Thika Municipality to city status.

The report laid by the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on County Planning and Urbanisation Wambiri Ngatha outlined that Thika has met the required population threshold of 250,000 residents as required by the Urban Areas and Cities Act and has the potential for revenue collection.

Currently, the Municipality is among the highest revenue generating sources from a variety of sources, including local taxes such as land rates, business permits and licenses, pollution, waste and environmental charges, parking and transport fees, as well as county equitable shares.

“Based on the financial analysis of previous years, the Municipality demonstrates both sufficient revenue generation capacity and a strong potential for continued growth in revenue streams hence it has capacity to sustain operations,” said Ngatha.

He said that the Municipality currently has provision of essential services as per Schedule 1 of the Urban Areas and Cities Act, 2011. It has a well equipped and robust planning and development control section that helps in approving applications, implements policies, provides public advisory services, and ensures regulatory compliance as well as adequate and qualified personnel.

Ngatha also outlined that the town contains essential infrastructure such as roads, a robust transport system, storm water management facilities, electricity, water supply, as well as key social and healthcare facilities, education institutions, recreational areas, several police stations and markets.

In the previous years, Thika Municipality has demonstrated a strong commitment to citizen engagement through various initiatives including public involvement in projects such as the Thika Industrial Smart City, the County Spatial Plan, the County Fiscal Strategy Paper, and the Alcohol and Drugs Control Act of 2018.

He also noted that the area has adequate space for expansion and future growth, which is crucial for sustainable urban development. Given that the Municipality is reliant on agriculture, the preservation of agricultural land remains essential for sustainable food production.

He said, “The County Spatial Plan emphasises compact urban growth and discourages urban sprawl by encouraging vertical development in central business districts (CBDs) and residential/commercial zones. This strategy supports the development of a sustainable city, promoting reduced car dependency, lower carbon emissions, improved public transport, and the preservation of green spaces.

“Additionally, the Municipality has access to ample space for expansion, including the Del Monte property and other underdeveloped areas. At the same time, Thika Municipality has made strides in managing solid waste through the Directorate of Environment, which currently handles 140 tonnes of waste daily, with 60% of waste collected and 30% recycled,” he Added.

The Murera Ward MCA noted that the Municipality operates a landfill at Kang'oki and utilises the Gatuanyaga site for asbestos disposal. He added that a solid waste management policy is underway, with several public awareness initiatives being conducted.

He said, “while the private sector plays a role in waste management, better regulation is necessary to improve efficiency. Proposals are being considered to introduce waste segregation and incineration at Kang'oki to enhance waste management practices further”

While supporting the initiative, the MCAs said that the elevation will see more funds channeled to Kiambu with the current share of the Municipality being split to the other municipalities.

Edward Kinyanjui (MCA, Nyathuna Ward) said, “This is a blessing to Kiambu because now Thika makes the sixth Kenyan City where it shall have a budget and allocation of its own from the National Government, now the other municipal allocations can be divided another the others municipalities to foster development.”

Peter Mburu (MCA, Kamenu Ward) said that the initiative is a transformation agenda for Kiambu County while Thika Township MCA Honorable applauded the third Assembly for actualizing the dream terming it a recorded achievement.

Ann Wachera supported saying, “Rome was not built in one day. I urge all to support the application even if not all of us live in Thika because this will extend our global recognition as a County.”

The Deputy Speaker John Njiru (MCA, Hospital Ward) that history will serve the third Assembly better as a major milestone of making Kiambu great again.