Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi’s ambitious plan to elevate Thika Town to city status has received a significant boost with a commitment from the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to construct 61 kilometers of new roads in the bustling industrial hub.
The road project, estimated at around Sh5 billion, will cover both Thika’s urban and peripheral areas. This initiative is designed to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance mobility for those entering and leaving the industrial zone.
In addition to the road development, the County plans to invest Sh256 million into the Kenya Urban Support Programme and allocate Sh500 million for upgrading informal settlements in Thika. These funds will also support improvements in roads, healthcare facilities, and market infrastructure.
Ephraim Obuolloh, a senior engineer at KeNHA, announced that feasibility studies and environmental impact reports have been completed. The design phase is underway, and public consultations will follow. Obuolloh led a KeNHA delegation in a meeting with Governor Wamatangi, discussing various collaborative opportunities and project details.
Governor Wamatangi expressed optimism about the infrastructure upgrades, emphasizing their potential to transform Thika into a modern city. “We’ve made notable progress in our transformation efforts, with public consultations complete. We’re now preparing a report for the County Assembly and Senate,” he said.
The planned road improvements include expanding the Gatitu-Kilimambogo stretch to 20 kilometers and part of the Thika-Garissa Road to 22 kilometers. Additionally, the Thika-Kenol Highway will be widened with extra lanes for 14 kilometers, and a new interchange at Blue Post will connect to Gatanga via a 16-kilometer road.
Within Thika town, several key routes will be upgraded. The 4.4-kilometer stretch from Haile Selassie to Upper Road Roundabout and General Kago Road will become a dual carriageway. Other significant roads, including Magoko-Kenyatta Avenue and Kenyatta Highway, will also be expanded. The road from Zero Gravity Distilleries to the Thika Bypass junction will be upgraded to a dual carriageway.
Further improvements will target the Garissa Road-Thika Bypass junction near BAT Thika, the section adjacent to Thika Sports Club, and the Del Monte Junction.
Governor Wamatangi has requested KeNHA to consider upgrading the Kilimambogo-Juja Farm-Witethie route and the Gatuanyaga-Juja circuit. These upgrades would enhance access to Thika’s eastern side and provide alternative routes for traffic traveling to Nairobi from Garissa, Machakos, and Kitui.
Gatuanyaga ward representative Jackson “Jack Ma” Kungu highlighted that Thika is divided into Thika West, including the town itself, and Thika East, which covers the less developed Ngoliba and Gatuanyaga wards. He is hopeful that the planned city development, particularly on the ceded Del Monte land in these wards, will spur significant growth and transformation.
Governor Wamatangi noted that attaining city status for Thika is expected to attract over Sh1 billion annually in grants for infrastructure development, improving social standards, boosting economic growth, and increasing property values.
Additionally, the County has designated 325 acres for an export processing zone, aimed at creating investment opportunities and drawing domestic and international capital, especially in manufacturing, agro-processing, and technology sectors. This initiative is part of the broader strategy to foster economic development and enhance Thika’s appeal as a growing city. – reported by KNA
