The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Thika town’s push to become Kenya’s sixth city has gained significant traction, with Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi presenting a city charter to the county assembly for approval.
Wamatangi initiated the town’s journey toward city status by handing over a report and charter to the county assembly.
The proposal, created by a committee led by former Senator Sylvia Kasanga, will next move to the Senate before being sent to President William Ruto.
Wamatangi emphasized that achieving city status would improve infrastructure and create 50,000 new jobs.
“If we get this city status, there will be benefits even while we are still alive. We were told by the leaders here that we were referred to as Birmingham in the 1960s and 1970s…I want to tell you that it’s great because we have many educated people in Kenya. The counties and communities that contribute a lot of money and resources to the government through industrialization—our industries are in Kiambu, which ranks third after Nairobi and Mombasa,” said Wamatangi.
Deputy Speaker John Njiru and Mt. Kenya University Vice Chancellor Deogratious Jaganyi both supported the initiative, citing its potential for economic growth.
The county assembly’s decision will be crucial for Thika’s aspirations to become the sixth city in Kenya.
“Our findings confirm that Thika municipality meets the criteria for city status as outlined in the Urban and Cities Act of 2011, amended in 2019,” said Ad Hoc Committee Chairperson Sylvia Kasanga.
“More importantly, Thika has shown it is ready to take on the responsibilities and opportunities that come with city status. We recommend that Thika is ready to become a city.”
