By 2026, Thika Town in Kiambu County will not only be a city but a technology and industrial hub as well, Governor Kimani Wamatangi has said.
The Kiambu county boss said plans are already underway to grant Thika town city status later this year.
“We expect city status to be granted by President William Ruto by July. But its development will continue up to 2026 while it will start posting long-term returns by 2030,” he said.
Governor Wamatangi said it will cost Sh15 billion to turn the industrial town into a technologically advanced city over the next three years.
The governor said Sh5 billion will be channeled towards an airstrip, a light rail transit system, an improved road network and the establishment of tuk tuk, boda boda and bicycle bays.
Sh4 billion will be invested in industries and reforming the construction sector.
“The plan is to have a city that will enhance wealth creation opportunities,” Wamatangi said.
Another Sh5.7 billion will be invested in water projects to boost supply to Thika, Juja, Ruiru and Githunguri from the Kariminu dam.
“We will increase supply to the new city by 20 million cubic metres,” the governor said.
Wamatangi also said plans are underway to establish a sewerage system, street lighting and recreation centres both in the new city and other towns that will be elevated into municipalities.
The proposed ‘Thika City’ will also be home to 10,000 market stalls installed with free internet expressly reserved for the youth in strategic areas.
“Should the town become a city, it will be getting not less than Sh1 billion per year from the county and national government for urban development,” said Wamatangi.
He noted that Thika in its current status as a municipality has been receiving Sh480 million per year from the World Bank but with city status, the funding is likely to increase to Sh1bn.
Additional Reporting by the Nation.
