The National Government, in partnership with the Kiambu county administration, has undertaken a significant road construction and expansion project in Thika town to help ease chronic traffic congestion. This Ksh 5 billion project, managed by a number of institutions including the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), and the county government, is a critical component of Governor Kimani Wamatangi's aim to develop Thika into an industrial smart city.

The project involves upgrading Garissa Road into a dual carriageway that shall stretch for 25 kilometers from the Thika highway overpass up to the Makutano intersection in the Kilimambogo district. In addition, two major interchanges will be built at the point of entry to Thika Town around the Gatitu junction. The Thika-Gatanga road will also be doubled in size, and a new bridge will be constructed near the Blue Posts Hotel.

The county declared it will allocate Sh256 million through the Kenya Urban Support Programme and Sh50 million to improve Thika's informal settlements, roads, clinics, and markets. As stated by Mr Ephraim Obuollah, a senior engineer who is in charge of architectural design at KeNHa, the feasibility study and an environmental and social impact assessment have been completed, and design is currently underway, with public consultations to follow.

Mr Obuollah led a KeNHa delegation to engage in conversation with the governor at his Kiambu town office, during which they discussed projects and areas of partnership throughout execution. Salome Wainaina, the county's Planning and Municipal Administration Executive in charge of the city status project, and her Roads and Transport colleague, Wilfred Mwenda, attended the meeting.

President William Ruto's administration and the county have already invested over ShlO billion in infrastructure, water, health, education, trade, sports, and other projects, laying the groundwork for Thika's transformation into a city. Mr Wamatangi stated that if Thika attains city status, it will receive over Shl billion in annual grants for infrastructure development, enhanced standards of living and economic growth, and increased property values. The county has designated 325 hectares for an export processing zone, which is expected to increase investment opportunities and attract both domestic and foreign capital to the manufacturing, agro-processing, and technology sectors.

Posted on : 16 Oct,2024