The Senate of Kenya has invited public submissions on the application to grant Thika Municipality city status, signaling a key step in the town’s push for urban elevation.
The Senate Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations is considering the application under Section 8(5) of the Urban Areas and Cities Act, Cap 275, which allows the President, upon a Senate resolution, to confer city status on municipalities that meet the criteria set out under Section 5 of the Act.
In a notice issued by the Clerk of the Senate, J.M. Nyegenye, the Committee invited interested members of the public to submit any representations they may have through memoranda.
“In accordance with the provisions of Article 118 of the Constitution, the Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations now invites interested members of the public to submit any representations that they may have on the matter by way of memoranda,” the notice stated.
Written submissions may be sent to the Clerk of the Senate, either by post to P.O. Box 41842-00100, Nairobi, hand-delivered to the Office of the Clerk at the Main Parliament Buildings, or emailed to [email protected] with a copy to [email protected].
All memoranda must be received on or before Monday, March 9, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
In addition to written submissions, the Committee will hold a public hearing to engage stakeholders directly. The hearing is scheduled for Friday, March 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Thika Municipal Chambers in Thika Town. The Senate has encouraged members of the public to attend and participate in the discussion.
The move to consider Thika for city status reflects ongoing efforts by the national and county governments to recognize rapidly growing urban centers and ensure they meet the administrative, infrastructural, and social standards required of cities.
By inviting public input, the Senate aims to ensure that all perspectives are considered before making a formal recommendation to the President.
“The public hearing and submission of memoranda are intended to allow stakeholders to contribute their views on this important matter,” the notice said.
This consultative process is part of the broader legislative framework under the Urban Areas and Cities Act, designed to promote transparency and inclusivity in the conferment of city status across Kenya.
The public is encouraged to take part in both the hearings and written submissions to ensure their views are reflected in the final decision on Thika’s city status.
