Thika Municipality Reaffirms Support for Business Community as It Pushes for City Status

Thika Municipal Manager Margaret Nyachania has assured traders and investors that the Kiambu County Government is working closely with the business community to transform Thika into a fully-fledged city, noting that local businesses remain the backbone of the municipality's growth and development.

Speaking while officially opening The Touch of Thika SMEs Expo 2026 at Christina Wangari Gardens, Nyachania said the county government welcomed initiatives that showcased Thika's potential as a future smart city and strengthened the municipality's economic foundation.

“We are here as the county government to tell the Thika business community that we are together with you. We welcome this idea because you are showcasing what Thika Smart City will become,” she said.

According to Nyachania, achieving city status requires a strong economic base supported by a thriving business environment. She noted that revenue generated from traders, investors and developers through business permits, land rates and development approvals has played a crucial role in financing municipal projects and services.

“Our business community has been supporting the municipality's journey towards city status by faithfully paying taxes, obtaining business permits and seeking the necessary approvals for developments. That revenue is one of the key pillars supporting our growth,” she said.

She observed that Thika has continued to attract investors and developers due to its strategic location, industrial strength and expanding commercial opportunities. The municipality, she added, was investing heavily in infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of businesses and residents.

One of the key initiatives being implemented was the expansion of solar-powered street lighting across the town. Nyachania said the project was aimed at supporting businesses while reducing operational costs and promoting a 24-hour economy.

“We want traders to take advantage of solar lighting so that they can reduce electricity-related expenses. Thika is steadily growing into a city and we expect more businesses, industries and service providers to operate beyond the traditional working hours. Solarisation will help lower costs and create a more conducive business environment,” she explained.

The municipality has also established a one-stop service centre at Thika Town Hall to simplify access to government services. The centre brings together departments such as finance, public health, fire services, valuation and physical planning under one roof.

Nyachania said the move was informed by complaints from traders who previously had to move between different offices to obtain approvals and services.

“We want our traders to be served from one point. They should not be moving from one office to another looking for approvals. The one-stop shop is making service delivery faster, more efficient and more convenient,” she said.

On infrastructure development, the municipal manager revealed that preparations are underway for the construction and upgrading of key roads within the municipality. She said materials for some road projects have already been mobilised in the Karibaribi area as part of the county government's last-mile connectivity programme.

“The business community has consistently raised concerns about the condition of roads. We have already started preparations and soon we shall be launching major road projects. Thika cannot become a city while remaining dusty. We want quality tarmac roads and well-maintained feeder roads across the municipality,” she stated.

Nyachania also warned residents and traders against fraudsters impersonating county officials and soliciting money from members of the public.

She disclosed that the county recently arrested an individual who had previously been dismissed from county service over corruption allegations but had allegedly returned and was posing as an official.

“I have received many reports about people claiming to be county liaisons. Some of the names being mentioned belong to people who do not even work for the county government. Yesterday, we arrested one person who had been dismissed from the county and had returned to impersonate an official,” she said.

She urged traders to verify the identity of anyone demanding money or issuing permits on behalf of the county government.

“Many people are taking advantage of residents by falsely presenting themselves as liaisons. We ask members of the public to be vigilant and to confirm the authenticity of any county official before making payments,” she added.

On the municipality's quest for city status, Nyachania said Thika has already undergone assessments by the Senate, which evaluated key indicators including water supply, infrastructure, housing, lighting and overall urban development.

She expressed confidence that the municipality is making significant progress towards meeting the required thresholds.

“The Senate has already visited Thika and assessed several areas, including water provision, infrastructure and accommodation capacity. We have made tremendous progress and passed important stages of the evaluation process,” she said.

Nyachania cited services provided by the Thika Water and Sewerage Company (THIWASCO), ongoing road improvements, enhanced street lighting and urban beautification projects as evidence of the municipality's readiness for city status.

She highlighted ongoing beautification works at Christina Gardens, where cabro paving, landscaping and green spaces are being introduced to improve the town's appearance.

“If you look at Christina Gardens today, you will see the transformation taking place. We are installing cabros, creating green spaces and beautifying the town because a modern city must also be attractive and environmentally friendly,” she said.

Addressing concerns from traders over competition from hawkers, Nyachania said the municipality has introduced measures to balance the interests of both groups. Hawkers are only allowed to operate during designated hours to ensure formal businesses have sufficient time and space to serve customers.

“The business community invests heavily and pays for business permits. That is why we have put in place measures that allow traders to operate effectively while also creating opportunities for hawkers within regulated timelines,” she explained.

Nyachania said all the ongoing projects and reforms are geared towards creating a business-friendly environment that will support economic growth and position Thika for successful elevation to city status.

“Our goal is to build a city that is organised, clean, attractive and economically vibrant. Above all, we want a business community that feels appreciated, supported and satisfied with the services being provided,” she said.