Kiambu County has intensified efforts to align social services with its smart city vision, conducting inspections of charitable children’s institutions (CCIs) across Thika Sub-County to assess their preparedness for a modern urban setup.
The exercise was led by Director of Gender and Social Services Mary Kirobi, with officers from the Directorate of Social Services visiting several facilities to evaluate their capacity in key areas. The assessment focused on infrastructure, child protection standards, digital readiness, and overall service delivery.
County officials said the initiative is part of a broader plan to ensure that all social institutions within Thika are equipped to meet the demands of a smart city, where inclusivity and quality services are central.
During the visits, officers engaged management teams at the institutions to identify gaps and explore opportunities for improvement. They also offered guidance on how the centres can enhance their operations to align with modern standards.
The team visited Moyo Children Centre in Hospital Ward, Kustawi Village Children’s Centre in Ngoliba Ward, Anna Jo Children’s Centre in Gatuanyaga Ward, and Action for Children in Conflict in Township Ward. These institutions play a critical role in supporting vulnerable children and families within the community.
Programs run by the centres include the rescue and rehabilitation of street children and families, as well as support for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. Many of the institutions also run feeding programmes targeting children from low-income households and informal settlements.
County officials noted that beneficiaries are not only supported within the centres but are also rehabilitated and reintegrated back into the community, helping to restore stability and improve livelihoods.
The inspections come at a time when Kiambu County is positioning Thika as a future smart city, with leaders emphasising the need for all sectors, including social services, to meet modern standards.
Officials said strengthening child protection systems and improving service delivery in CCIs will be key to achieving an inclusive urban environment where vulnerable groups are not left behind.
The county government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting these institutions and ensuring they operate effectively within the evolving urban landscape.
As Thika moves closer to its smart city ambition, the focus now shifts to addressing identified gaps and enhancing the capacity of social service providers to deliver quality care to those in need.
 across Thika Sub-County to assess their preparedness for a modern urban setup.){kind=link}