Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has implemented significant changes to the committee responsible for assessing Thika's potential to attain city status, rescinding the appointment of six out of the seven previously appointed members.
In a Gazette Notice issued on Friday, March 22, Governor Wamatangi introduced a new panel of evaluators as part of his continued efforts to advocate for Thika's city status by the year's end.
He has appointed an ad hoc committee comprising experts from various professional bodies including the Architects Association of Kenya, the Law Society of Kenya, the Association of Urban Areas and Cities, the Kenya Institute of Planners, the Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Institute of Surveyors of Kenya, and representatives from the business community to evaluate the municipality's capabilities.
According to the notice, Sylviah Mueni Kasanga from the Architects Association of Kenya, Gitu Kahengeri representing the Law Society of Kenya, and Zachary Ng’ang’a Mwaura from the Association of Urban Areas and Cities have been appointed.
Additionally, Plan T. G. Ndorongo from the Kenya Institute of Planners, Jeanter W. Warigia from the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya, and Julius Macharia Chege from the Institute of Surveyors of Kenya have also been included in the committee.
Cecilia Wamaitha Mwangi has also been appointed to represent the business community.
This development followed Governor Wamatangi's initial appointment in November 2022, which comprised a separate group of individuals.
The seven newly appointed members are slated to serve for a year starting from March 15, 2024.
Should Thika successfully ascend to city status, it would mark a significant milestone in its developmental journey, initiated during the tenure of former Governor James Nyoro.
Thika, with a population of 279,429 as of the 2019 census, has been actively pursuing infrastructural developments, aided by initiatives such as the Kenya Urban Support Programme and support from the World Bank.
In 2022, Wamatangi initiated administrative changes to further propel Thika's ambitions, with the town now standing as a distinct administrative division detached from Juja Sub-County.
Proposals to establish an airport at Gatuanyaga, utilising land formerly owned by pineapple firm Delmonte, have also been put forth, aiming to stimulate tourism, trade, and employment in the region.
However, Thika faces several challenges on its path to cityhood, including issues such as inadequate street lighting, informal street vending, inefficient transport systems, limited parking, land disputes, substandard waste management, water scarcity, and bureaucratic delays in approving building plans.
The evaluation process led by the newly appointed committee is expected to culminate in a proposal presented to the county assembly.
Governor Wamatangi has affirmed his commitment to advancing Thika's city aspirations, highlighting allocated funds for water distribution and emphasising the need for additional resources amounting to Ksh15 billion to facilitate the elevation.
Beyond Thika, similar proposals for municipal upgrades have been suggested for nearby areas such as Juja, Gatundu, Githurai (Kahawa), Kabete, and Githunguri.
Governor Wamatangi remains optimistic about Thika's prospects, assuring that funds have been earmarked to initiate the elevation process.
Earlier this year, Wamatangi revealed plans to allocate Ksh 1 billion for infrastructural development upon Thika's elevation, aimed at improving the town's appeal to prospective investors.
