Thika set to become sixth city after Senate committee approval
A Senate committee has recommended that Thika be elevated to city status, citing its industrial growth and infrastructure. If approved by the Senate and President Ruto, it will become Kenya's sixth city.
Why it matters
City status for Thika is expected to attract significant investment and improve regional economic development in the Mt Kenya area.
Thika is on the verge of becoming the sixth city in the country after a Senate committee endorsed its bid for elevation.
The Senate Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations said the fast-growing industrial hub has met the legal requirements for elevation from a municipality.
"The committee recommends that the Senate approve the conferment of city status on Thika Municipality," the committee said in a report tabled in the House.
Upon approval by the House, the resolution will be forwarded to President William Ruto for the issuance of a city charter.
If approved by the Senate and the President, Thika will join Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru and Eldoret as Kenya's cities.
The committee found Thika satisfies the criteria under the Urban Areas and Cities Act, citing its population, industrial base, revenue generation, infrastructure and public services.
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