Thika on the verge of becoming Kenya's first industrial smart city

Thika town in Kiambu County is inching closer to becoming an industrial park, following the submission of a comprehensive report by an ad hoc committee overseeing the process.

Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi officially presented the report and charter to the County Assembly for debate, after which it will be forwarded to the Senate for further processing. The proposed Thika Industrial Smart City is poised to be the first of its kind in the Mt Kenya region.

Mr Wamatangi had appointed Senator Sylvia Kasanga’s committee to develop a detailed plan for Thika’s transition to city status. The committee has been gathering and analysing data, as well as soliciting feedback from the public and other stakeholders to ensure that the process reflects the needs and aspirations of residents.

Ms Kasanga, who chairs the committee, shared that the public participation efforts had garnered overwhelming support from residents, as well as from industrialists, businesses, and institutions. “We carried out public participation in all the wards in Thika, and we have captured the views of the people. Based on the feedback and data collected, Thika Town qualifies to be a city,” she said.

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The ongoing Sh5.7 billion water reticulation project, a joint effort with the national government, is a key component of the infrastructural upgrades.

The project aims to increase the capacity of Thika Water and Sewerage Company, including expanding the Kariminu Dam in Gatundu North from 70 million cubic metres to 90 million cubic metres. A portion of the water from the dam has already been redirected to Thika through a mega tank at Ngoigwa, with reticulation systems designed to serve over 100,000 households.

Furthermore, Sh500 million has been allocated for the development of walkways and non-motorised transport, contributing to the town’s overall facelift. The construction of 2,500 solar streetlights is also in progress to enhance security and improve the quality of life for residents.

The Kenya National Highways Authority is set to construct new roads, including the Gatitu-Kilomambogo road and the Thika-Kenol highway, which will receive additional lanes on both sides. Other key roads set for upgrading, include Blue Post-Gatanga Road, Heile Selassie-Upper Highway, General Kago Road, Magoko-Kenyatta-Avenue Road, and Kenyatta Highway.

Thika’s slum areas, including Kiandutu, Umoja and Matharau, are also set for major improvements, with Sh500 million allocated for development. The county is in the process of issuing 5,000 title deeds to residents of Kiandutu, a move expected to empower local communities.

Wamatangi highlighted the town’s historical significance, noting that Thika was once known as the “Birmingham City of Africa” due to its favourable climate, agricultural productivity, urban planning, cultural heritage, and industrial growth, which mirrored that of Birmingham in the UK. The elevation to city status, he believes, will restore Thika’s former glory and provide further opportunities for growth.

Thika’s location, strategically placed as the gateway to Mt. Kenya, parts of Eastern and North Eastern regions, as well as other nations in the Horn of Africa, makes it one of the fastest-growing towns in Kenya.