Senate forum backs Thika's elevation to city status
Central
By
Gitau Wanyoike
| Apr 10, 2026
An aerial view of Thika Town CBD in Kiambu County. [File, Standard]
The proposal to elevate Thika to an industrial smart city received overwhelming support on Wednesday, with stakeholders turning up in large numbers during a public participation forum organised by the Senate.
Held at Mount Kenya University’s graduation pavilion, the forum brought together industrialists, businesspeople, professionals, small-scale traders, farmers, boda boda operators, residents, and representatives of various interest groups. By the end of the session, there was unanimous agreement that Thika had met the threshold to become Kenya’s sixth city.
The forum, convened by the Senate Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations, sought public views on the Kiambu County Government’s proposal to have Thika granted city status. Chaired by Senator Catherine Mumma, the committee heard petition after petition in support of the plan, with no dissenting voices recorded.
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Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, who hosted the committee, highlighted the strides his administration had made in preparing Thika for city status. He presented evidence that the county had met the requirements of the Urban Areas and Cities Act, including investments in infrastructure, health, water, sanitation, trade, education, and revenue collection.
“When I decided to vie for the governorship, I had a vision to have Thika become a city. We have bridged gaps in service delivery, and Thika is now different from before,” said Wamatangi. He added that city status would boost the economy, attract investors, stimulate growth, and create thousands of jobs.
Industrialists were among the strongest supporters. Broadway's Bakery Managing Director Bimal Shah noted Thika’s long-standing industrial significance and immense growth potential. “We are ready to become the sixth city in Kenya. Thika is one of the best industrial bases in the country,” he said, praising the county government for creating a conducive investment environment.
Former Thika Mayor Mumbi Ngaru also endorsed the proposal, saying that the county’s development projects, improved roads, better public services, and increased investment had made Thika ready for city status. She added that residents were already excited by the prospect.
Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa pledged his full support, emphasising that city status would bring direct benefits to the people by attracting development, increasing investment, and creating opportunities. He urged all leaders, especially Members of Parliament, to unite behind the proposal.
Stakeholders repeatedly highlighted Thika’s strong industrial base, strategic location, and rapidly growing population as key reasons for city status. Situated along major transport corridors linking Nairobi, Central Kenya, Eastern Kenya, and the Mount Kenya region, Thika hosts hundreds of industries, major educational institutions, modern residential developments, and a vibrant business community.
Participants agreed that elevating Thika into an Industrial Smart City would improve its national and international profile, unlock resources for infrastructure and planning, and enhance economic growth. Small-scale traders, farmers, and boda boda operators expressed optimism that the move would create jobs, attract more customers, and expand markets for goods and services.