Governor Wamatangi Unveils Ambitious Development Plans for Thika Municipality
To elevate Thika Municipality to city status, Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has announced a series of transformative development projects aimed at improving infrastructure, water supply, healthcare, and market facilities. The plans were unveiled during a daily management meeting held at the Thika Governor’s Office on Tuesday, where the governor and his team reviewed the progress of ongoing initiatives and outlined new projects set to reshape the town.
Roads and Infrastructure
Governor Wamatangi highlighted the recarpeting of the Gatitu-U Shop road in Thika Town as one of the key projects underway. Additionally, the construction of the Thika Town Bus Park is set to enhance public transport infrastructure, while cabro paving and tarmacking of roads in Umoja and Kiangombe are already in progress.
Under the Kenya Urban Support Programme, the county government will spend over Sh250 million to tarmac roads and install cabro stones on walkways within the town. Rehabilitation works on Jungle Road, Komo-Githima-Munyu Road, and Msafari Road in Gatuanyaga Ward are also in their final preparation stages, promising improved connectivity for residents.
Water and Environment
To address water scarcity, the county is installing a reticulation link at Kamwangi to connect Karemenu Dam water to Karibaribi, Ngoigwa, and Mary Hill areas. A new water treatment point with a capacity of 3 million cubic meters will also be established along the Thika River to serve Gatuanyaga, Ngoliba, and the surrounding areas.
In a move to combat flooding, the county is undertaking drainage works in Kiandutu and Kamenu wards, as well as draining stormwaters from the town into the Chania River. These measures are expected to significantly reduce flooding incidents, particularly during the rainy season.
Market Upgrades
Governor Wamatangi also announced major upgrades to several markets in the region. The Kiandutu, Jamhuri, and Ngoliba markets are set for renovation, while the flagship Madaraka Market project, a partnership between the national government (Sh400 million) and the county government (Sh150 million), will receive a total investment of Sh550 million. These upgrades aim to provide traders with modern facilities and boost economic activity in the area.
Healthcare Improvements
In the health sector, Thika Level Five Hospital is set to benefit from the installation of new equipment, including dialysis machines and a digital X-ray unit. The newly completed dental unit at the hospital has already been opened, offering enhanced services to residents.
Additionally, the construction of Kijango Level Three Hospital is underway, while Makongeni, Ngoliba, Munyu, and Gatuanyaga hospitals are undergoing renovations. These projects are expected to improve healthcare access and quality for residents across the municipality.
A Vision for Thika’s Future
Governor Wamatangi emphasized that these projects are part of a broader strategy to transform Thika into a modern city. “Our goal is to ensure that Thika becomes a model municipality with world-class infrastructure, reliable water supply, and top-tier healthcare services. These projects are not just about development; they are about improving the quality of life for our people,” he said.
The governor also called for cooperation from residents and stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the projects. “We are committed to delivering on our promises, but we also need the support of the community to make Thika the city we all envision,” he added.
With these ambitious plans, Thika is poised to take a significant leap forward, setting the stage for its elevation to city status and positioning itself as a hub of economic and social development in the region.
Ends
