Kiambu County Lobbies for Construction of Thika Airport

Kiambu is pushing for the construction of a new airport in Thika as the county kicks off a major upgrade of its transport infrastructure in the hopes of becoming Kenya’s fifth city.

Through the Kenya Urban Support Programme in partnership with the World Bank, the county is undertaking various projects to help Thika match city status.

According to Kiambu Governor James Nyoro, Thika has received millions of shillings since the 2018/2019 financial year – monies that have been used to tarmac roads within the town, renovate parking spaces, and installation of solar and electric lights to enhance security.

“After the county of Nakuru was elevated, we believe Thika town will be the next city. We are racing against time to ensure we avail all the required necessities for this elevation,” he said.

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To boost its profile, Kiambu County is lobbying for the construction of an airport at Gatuanyaga Village, Thika East, on part of the 635-acre parcel surrendered by Delmonte Industries in 2018 to allow the renewal of its 8,000 acres for 99 years.

During the signing of the deal with Delmonte, then-governor Ferdinand Waititu said some 200 acres of the ceded land would be allocated to the proposed airport.

Governor Nyoro has also supported the idea, saying the proposed airport and industrial park will unlock investments in Thika – creating jobs and big fortunes for the residents of Kiambu.

“I believe that with an airport in place, international firms will want to open their investments here,” he said.

However, some residents of Thika view the proposed airport as a bad idea since Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airport are just nearby.

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