Senate Invites Public Participation on Proposed Conferment of City Status to Thika

An Imaginary view of Thika Industrial Smart City

The Senate has formally invited members of the public to submit memoranda and participate in a public hearing regarding the proposed conferment of city status to Thika Municipality.

In a public notice, the Senate Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations announced that it is currently considering the application pursuant to Section 8(5) of the Urban Areas and Cities Act, Cap 275.

According to the notice,“The Senate Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations is currently considering the application for conferment of city status to Thika Municipality pursuant to Section 8 (5) of the Urban Areas and Cities Act, Cap 275.”

In line with Article 118 of the Constitution, which guarantees public participation in parliamentary processes, the Committee has invited interested members of the public to submit their views.

“The Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations now invites interested members of the public to submit any representations that they may have on the matter by way of memoranda,” the notice states.

The Committee will hold a public hearing on Friday, 6th March, 2026 at 10.00 a.m. at Thika Municipal Chambers (Town Hall), where residents and stakeholders will have an opportunity to present their views in person.

Written memoranda may be submitted to the Clerk of the Senate through P.O. Box 41842-00100, Nairobi; hand-delivered to the Office of the Clerk at Main Parliament Buildings; or emailed to clerk.senate@parliament.go.ke and copied to senate.devolution@parliament.go.ke. Submissions must be received on or before Monday, 9th March, 2026 at 5.00 p.m.

Under Article 184 of the Constitution of Kenya (2010), national legislation provides for the governance and management of urban areas and cities. This mandate is implemented through the Urban Areas and Cities Act, Cap 275.

Section 7 of the Act provides that the President may, upon a resolution of the Senate, confer city status on a municipality that meets the criteria set out under Section 5 of the Act.

For a municipality to qualify for elevation to a city, it must meet several key requirements, including:

• A minimum population threshold as prescribed by law (currently at least 500,000 residents);

• The existence of an integrated development plan;

• Demonstrated capacity to generate sufficient revenue to sustain its operations;

• Established infrastructure, including roads, water, sanitation, public transport, and solid waste management systems;

• Availability of essential services such as health facilities, educational institutions, emergency services, and financial institutions;

• A functional urban governance structure, including a board and administrative framework;

• Compliance with land use planning and environmental standards.

Additionally, the conferment process requires:

Approval by the respective County Government,
Consideration and resolution by the Senate, and
Formal conferment by the President.

Thika’s Strategic Position

Thika, located in Kiambu County approximately 42 kilometres northeast of Nairobi, is one of Kenya’s fastest-growing urban centres. The town sits at an elevation of about 1,538 metres (5,046 feet) above sea level, giving it a moderate highland climate favourable for industrial, agricultural, and residential development.

Historically known as an industrial hub, Thika hosts major manufacturing industries, agro-processing plants, educational institutions, and expanding residential estates. Its strategic location along the Nairobi–Thika Superhighway has significantly boosted commerce, real estate growth, and population expansion over the past decade.

The push for city status reflects Thika’s rapid urbanisation, expanding infrastructure, and its growing economic significance within the Nairobi Metropolitan region.

If approved by the Senate and subsequently conferred by the President, Thika would join Kenya’s growing list of cities — marking a major milestone in its urban transformation and governance structure.

Residents are now expected to actively participate in the ongoing process as the Senate deliberates on the municipality’s elevation to city status.