The process of elevating Thika town into a smart city has kicked off with Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi disclosing that Sh10 billion will be required to initiate a raft of development projects crucial to ensure the town matches city status.
Wamatangi said in collaboration with the national administration, the county government will be allocating Sh1 billion annually in support of the project which will be undertaken in the 690 acres ceded by Del Monte fruit processing company.
Among the projects, he said, include Sh5.7 billion for water reticulation which is being implemented in partnership with the national government, Sh500 million for walkways and non-motorized transport.
Others are the installation of 2,500 solar streetlights and the dueling of the Thika-Kolpin section of the Garissa road by the Kenya National Highways Authority to ease congestion.
The county is also implementing Sh256 million worth of infrastructure projects under the Kenya Urban Support Program while the Thika Stadium is being modernized at a cost of Sh250 million to provide a world-class venue for local and national events.
Major markets including Madaraka, Jamhuri, and Kiganjo have also been earmarked for significant investments with Sh1 billion injected to enhance these trading hubs.
Plans are also underway to move the Thika GK Prison from the CBD to the outskirts of the town, with the Governor disclosing that they will allocate 30 acres for the relocation.
Future projects include a proposed airstrip at Del Monte, a Sh2 billion light rail system, established ICT and tech hubs and the modernization of hospitals and ECDE centers to meet the population’s needs.
He at the same time cautioned that the process will not be a walk in the park as it faces opposition by critics including politicians.
“It is not going to be an easy walk; we must accommodate the wishes and aspirations of our people. There have been claims that people will be evicted but I can assure you that no-one will be kicked out of their homes,” said Wamatangi during a public engagement forum in Thika town yesterday.
MCAs who were present at the forum including Kennedy Mwangi (Township), John Njiru (Hospital), Peter Mburu (Kamenu) and Jackson Kung’u Jackma (Gatuanyaga) called for involvement of all stakeholders in the project.
Already, an ad-hoc and County technical committees have been put in place to midwife the town’s elevation into an industrial smart city and the process will culminate in the President conferring it with a charter.
Once regarded as the industrial town of Kenya, it will be the first city in the Mt Kenya region.
By Muoki Charles
