Thika’s Bold Step Towards City Status Gains Overwhelming Public Backing

Thika’s long-anticipated journey toward city status gathered significant momentum on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, as the Senate Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations held a public participation forum at the Mount Kenya University Pavilion.

The exercise, attended by more than 2,000 residents, provided a platform for locals to air their views on the proposal to elevate Thika Municipality into Kenya’s sixth city. 

In a rare show of unity, not a single dissenting voice was recorded, signaling overwhelming public support for the initiative spearheaded by Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi.

The push for elevation is strongly supported by data. The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) confirmed that Thika’s population stands at 284,727, well above the legal threshold of 250,000 required for city status. Beyond numbers, the town’s rapid industrial and institutional growth has positioned it as a key economic hub in the Mount Kenya region.

Addressing residents during the session, Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa underscored the importance of the moment, describing it as a defining point in Thika’s history.

“Today is not just another meeting. It is a very important moment where your voices will help determine the future of Thika. We are here to listen, not to impose a decision. The law requires that before any municipality becomes a city, the people must be heard, infrastructure assessed and systems verified,” he said.

The senator challenged residents to reflect honestly on the town’s readiness, prompting a resounding affirmation from the crowd.

“Thika is already a major centre. A hub of industry, education and hardworking people. But growth must be matched with planning, structure and service delivery. The city status will open doors to jobs, improved infrastructure and a better quality of life, but only if supported by strong institutions and accountable leadership,” he noted.

Thang’wa also called on leaders at both county and national levels to fast-track pending requirements.

“Any gaps that exist must be addressed quickly. The decision before us must be based on readiness, not promises alone,” he emphasised.

From the business community, Bimal Shah, Chairman of Broadway Group, offered a historical perspective, drawing from over a century of his family’s presence in Thika.

“My grandfather came here in 1912. I have seen Thika grow from a small municipality to what it is today. A time comes when a community must say, 'We are ready to move forward' and that time is now,” he said.

Mr. Bimal highlighted Thika’s strong industrial base, noting a steady influx of industries relocating from Nairobi.

“In the last five years, more than 15 industries have moved into Thika. We have some of the largest manufacturers in baking, milling and oil processing. This shows the town’s economic strength. With city status, we could even attract major investments such as data centres,” he explained.

However, he cautioned that elevation would come with higher expectations.

“We must not become a city in name only. We need clean roads, proper waste management, working streetlights and overall cleanliness. Leadership must ensure the city meets its standards,” he added.

(RELATED ARTICLE: IS THIKA TOWN SINCERELY READY FOR CITY STATUS?)

From the academic sector, Mount Kenya University Council Chairman Dr. Vincent Gaitho expressed support for the transition but emphasised the need for critical infrastructure upgrades.

“Thika has grown in population and institutions, but infrastructure has not kept pace. Whenever we host graduation ceremonies, the town comes to a standstill due to traffic congestion. This must be addressed if we are to achieve city status,” he observed.

Dr. Gaitho also pointed to the importance of sanitation and inclusive urban planning.

“We must create a clean city and provide dignified working environments for traders, including proper sanitation facilities. A city must reflect order, dignity and opportunity for all,” he said.

Governor Kimani Wamatangi, the driving force behind the initiative, traced the vision back to his 2021 gubernatorial campaign.

“I began this journey with a vision of making Thika a functional city. Since then, we have worked with the people, leaders and now the Senate to turn that vision into reality. Our goal is to close gaps in leadership and service delivery while improving hospitals, schools, infrastructure and economic inclusion,” he stated.

The governor further noted that Thika is currently the second most industrialised town in Kenya, hosting over 1,000 industries across manufacturing, agro-processing and financial services.

Residents and traders echoed their support but emphasised the need for tangible improvements alongside the elevation. Key concerns included upgrading feeder roads, expanding water supply and improving transport infrastructure to support agriculture and business.

“We have no objection to city status, but development must match the new title,” some residents noted, calling for better roads to ensure timely delivery of farm produce to markets.

To complement the public hearings, the Senate Committee conducted inspections of key facilities, including Thika Level Five Hospital, Thika Water and Sewerage Company, the ongoing Thika Stadium project, the Thika Fire Station, recreation parks and ECDE centres. Members expressed satisfaction with the progress made in several sectors.

These assessments are part of the legal process under the Urban Areas and Cities Act, aimed at verifying whether Thika can sustainably deliver the services expected of a modern city.

As the process moves forward, Thika edges closer to becoming the first city in the Mount Kenya region, a transformation that residents believe will unlock new opportunities while demanding higher standards of governance, infrastructure and service delivery.