President William Ruto has formally initiated the process of elevating Thika Municipality to city status—a move that could significantly reshape the economic and political landscape of the Mt. Kenya region.
As the country gradually shifts focus toward the next general election, the development is being viewed through both an economic and strategic political lens. Mt. Kenya remains Kenya’s most formidable voting bloc, playing a decisive role in propelling Ruto to State House in 2022. With recent political realignments in the region—including the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua—the president appears keen to consolidate and revitalise his support base in the mountain.
Why Thika Matters
Thika is no ordinary municipality. Once dubbed the “Birmingham of Kenya” due to its strong industrial base, the town has long served as a commercial and logistical gateway to key Mt. Kenya counties, including Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru, and Isiolo. Its strategic position also connects the region to parts of Eastern and Northern Kenya, including Kitui, Machakos, and Garissa.
Upgrading Thika to city status would likely unlock greater national funding, attract new investment, enhance infrastructure development, and expand administrative autonomy. For residents and businesses alike, the elevation signals the prospect of accelerated urban planning, improved public services, and expanded economic opportunities.
Political Undertones
The proposal is being advanced through the Senate’s Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations Committee, underscoring its institutional weight. However, beyond governance implications, the timing is politically significant.
With more than six million voters in the broader Mt. Kenya region, any transformative development project carries electoral implications. In recent months, the president has launched several multi-billion-shilling infrastructure initiatives across the region, reinforcing his administration’s development-focused narrative.
Should Thika attain city status, the move would not only cement its economic standing but could also strengthen Ruto’s political foothold in a region central to any path to re-election.
Whether viewed as strategic statecraft or smart politics, one thing is clear: Thika’s elevation would mark a historic milestone for Mt. Kenya—and potentially a defining moment in the country’s evolving political equation.
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