Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi’s initiative to transform Thika Town into a city has gained significant momentum following a pledge by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to build 61 kilometres of roads in the busy industrial town.
The roads, which have already been identified, will be constructed both within the town and on its outskirts, with an allocation of approximately Sh5 billion. The initiative aims to improve traffic flow for motorists entering and leaving the industrial area.
The County has announced plans to allocate Sh256 million for the Kenya Urban Support Programme and an additional Sh500 million to enhance informal settlements in Thika, alongside improvements to roads, hospitals, and markets.
Mr. Ephraim Obuolloh, a senior engineer overseeing design at KeNHA, stated that a feasibility study as well as an environmental and social impact report have been finalized. Currently, the design phase is in progress, and subsequent public consultations will be held.
Mr. Obuolloh headed a delegation from KeNHA for a meeting with the Governor at his office in Kiambu town where they held discussions over various projects and potential areas of collaboration during the implementation phase.
Speaking during the meeting, the Governor revealed that enhancing the town’s infrastructure would bring about a substantial transformation for the community.
“We have made significant progress in our efforts to transform Thika into a smart city, and have successfully completed public participation. Currently, a report is being drafted for submission to the County Assembly for approval and subsequent forwarding to the Senate.”
“The roads are essential and time-sensitive, and I am pleased that the President has approved my requests for this project. As the county government, we are dedicated to fulfilling all responsibilities allocated to us during the implementation process, ensuring that the projects can move forward without any delay,” he stated.
The roads designated for dualling include the Gatitu-Kilimambogo stretch, spanning 20 kilometres and part of the Thika-Garissa Road for a distance of 22kilometres. Additionally, the Thika-Kenol Highway will receive extra lanes on each side for a distance of 14 kilometres. There will also be a new interchange at Blue Post for the 16-kilometer road connecting Blue Post to Gatanga.
In Thika town, the 4.4-kilometer stretch from Haile Selassie to the Upper Highway, Upper Road Roundabout, and General Kago Road will be upgraded to a dual carriageway.
Besides, the Magoko-Kenyatta Avenue Road and Kenyatta Highway, which runs past East Africa Paper Mills, will also be dualled.
The road leading from Zero Gravity Distilleries will also be expanded to a dual carriageway, extending from the Thika Bypass junction to the intersection near Makongeni Police Station.
Improvements have as well been planned for the Garissa Road-Thika Bypass junction near BAT Thika, the segment of the highway adjacent to Thika Sports Club, and the Del Monte Junction.
Governor Wamatangi urged KeNHA to look into the upgrading of the roads along the Kilimambogo-Juja Farm-Witethie route and the Gatuanyaga-Juja circuit, emphasizing that the improvement would enhance access to the eastern side of the town and provide an alternative route for vehicles traveling to Nairobi from Garissa, Machakos, and Kitui.
Gatuanyaga ward representative Jackson” Jack Ma” Kungu detailed that Thika was divided into two geographic sections: Thika West, which includes Thika Town, and Thika East, which encompasses the less developed Ngoliba and Gatuanyaga wards.
Subsequently, with the planned development of the city that is largely dependent on the ceded Delmonte land in Gatuanyaga and Ngoliba, Kungu stated that he was optimistic of significant growth and transformation taking place in the two wards in the foreseeable future.
Wamatangi noted that once Thika achieve city status, it is projected to attract over Sh1 billion annually in grants aimed at enhancing infrastructure, elevating social standards, fostering economic growth, and increasing property values.
He said the County has earmarked 325 acres for an export processing zone, which is expected to create more investment opportunities and attract both domestic and foreign capital, particularly in the manufacturing, agro-processing, and technology sectors.
By Hellen Lunalo
