Thika Smart City projects put on the spot as Kiambu County team moves to speed up infrastructure delivery

The Thika Industrial Smart City Technical Committee in Kiambu County has reviewed the progress of key infrastructure projects under the ongoing smart city transformation agenda, with a renewed commitment to accelerate implementation and improve accountability.

The meeting, held this week at the Thika Municipal offices, brought together senior officials led by Chief Officer for Municipal Administration and Urban Development, Martin Kangiri, and Municipal Manager, Gathii Kanyi, alongside key stakeholders from the public and private sectors.

The committee assessed the status of major infrastructure projects, including roads, water connectivity, drainage systems, and street lighting areas residents had raised concerns about during recent public participation forums.

Kangiri said the discussions aimed to identify and resolve challenges delaying project delivery while ensuring that citizen feedback remains central to the planning and execution process.

“We are committed to continuous monitoring and regular follow-ups to make sure every milestone is achieved within the planned timelines,” he said.

The meeting resolved to establish a structured monitoring framework featuring monthly project progress reviews and quarterly public feedback sessions. This approach, officials said, will help keep projects on track and enhance transparency between the county government and residents.

Local business owners have welcomed the committee’s proactive stance. David Kimani, who operates a manufacturing plant in Thika’s industrial area, said reliable infrastructure remains crucial for the town’s economic growth.

“The smart city vision holds great potential, but we need dependable infrastructure especially roads and water to thrive. Regular updates will show the county is serious about completing these projects,” Kimani said.

Community leader Lilian Njeri from Makongeni Ward emphasized that public participation must translate into visible change.

“Residents want to see progress on the ground. We appreciate that the committee is listening, but now we expect action and regular updates,” she said.

The committee reaffirmed its dedication to aligning all infrastructure projects with the broader Smart City Master Plan, which seeks to transform Thika into a modern, sustainable, and business-friendly urban center. A follow-up meeting has been scheduled to evaluate the effectiveness of the newly adopted measures and assess the next phase of implementation.