Traders and matatu operators at Thika Main Stage are expressing concerns over potential evictions due to the Kiambu County government’s plans to redesign the area as part of a broader initiative to elevate Thika to a smart city.
These traders, who have operated at the stage for decades, fear that the redesign will displace them, jeopardizing their livelihoods.
The traders have organized peaceful demonstrations, demanding that Governor Kimani Wamatangi address their concerns and ensure public participation in the decision-making process.
They argue that the county government has not adequately involved them in discussions about the proposed changes, leading to uncertainty and anxiety among the community.
Governor Wamatangi has maintained his vision of transforming Thika into Kenya’s sixth city, following Eldoret. He has assembled a team of experts to develop designs and cost estimates for the smart city project. However, the traders insist that their voices must be heard and their livelihoods protected as part of this development.
The situation highlights the tension between urban development and the needs of long-standing local businesses, emphasizing the importance of inclusive planning and public participation in such projects.
