By The Weekly Vision Team
The national government, in collaboration with the Kiambu county government, has launched a major road construction and expansion initiative in Thika town aimed at alleviating chronic traffic congestion. This Ksh 5 billion project, overseen by various agencies including the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), and the county government, is a key component of Governor Kimani Wamatangi’s vision to transform Thika into an Industrial Smart City.
The project includes the expansion of Garissa Road into a dual carriageway, stretching from the Thika highway flyover to the Makutano junction in the Kilimambogo area, covering a distance of 25 kilometres. Additionally, two significant interchanges will be constructed at the entrance to Thika Town and the Gatitu junction. The Thika-Gatanga road will also be dualed, and a new bridge will be built near Blue Posts Hotel.
Despite the anticipated benefits, some traders in Thika have expressed concerns about potential displacement as construction is set to begin by the end of the year. Governor Wamatangi, who recently toured the proposed project site with engineers and local leaders, assured affected traders that the county government would compensate them or provide alternative business locations.
“I want to assure our people that anyone affected by the road expansion will be fairly compensated. We will either resettle the traders whose businesses are impacted or provide them with the means to find alternative areas of operation,” said Wamatangi. He emphasised that the road project and the establishment of an industrial city would greatly benefit Thika residents by creating thousands of jobs and business opportunities.
“One of the key advantages of this new infrastructure plan is improved traffic flow. In addition, thousands of our youth will gain employment, and our traders and farmers are expected to benefit significantly,” Wamatangi added.
