Mr Alfred Wanyoike, Chairman of the Thika District Business Association, addresses journalists during the Touch of Thika Expo in Thika. PHOTO | Lawrence Ongaro
By Lawrence Ongaro
The town of Thika has launched an exhibition showcasing a wide range of products and services dubbed the “Touch of Thika Expo,” which ran from June 16 to June 19 under the umbrella of the Thika District Business Association.
Speaking during the launch, the association’s chairman, Mr Alfred Wanyoike, said Thika has continued to experience economic growth and prides itself on hosting numerous companies that contribute to the town’s development.
“Thika is ready to be designated a Smart City because of the level of preparation and development that has been achieved in various sectors,” said Mr Wanyoike.
He noted that despite the challenging business environment in the country, traders in Thika have continued to thrive and adapt to the situation.
According to him, the business environment in the town is peaceful and stable, and investors have no reason to fear.
He added that Thika is home to several industries that have created employment opportunities for thousands of people, making it one of the leading industrial centres in the country.
The exhibition was held at Christina Garden and brought together traders and companies from different sectors, including Isuzu, Soko, Home Biashara, Finco Africa, Steam Energy, Saray Hospital, Bidco, Vantage Park, Kenya Power and Pharmacometrics.
The companies set up exhibition stands to showcase and market their products and services to members of the public.
On the first day of the event, large numbers of Thika residents flocked to the venue to view the products and purchase some of them at discounted prices.
Business growth and investment
The General Manager of Thika Municipality in Kiambu County, Ms Margaret Nyachania, said the county government is ready to work with all businesspeople without discrimination.
“We have continued to work closely with business leaders led by Mr Wanyoike, and we look forward to strengthening that partnership even further,” she said.
Ms Nyachania noted that revenue collected from traders through licences and other charges is a key source of funding for municipal services.
She emphasised that Thika meets important criteria for recognition as a Smart City, including a large population, quality infrastructure and vibrant economic activity.
She also commended Kiambu Governor Mr Kimani Wamatangi for implementing various development projects, including the construction of Early Childhood Development (ECD) classrooms, improvement of infrastructure and the distribution of bean seeds and fertiliser to farmers.
She added that Kiambu residents have also benefited from programmes involving the distribution of chicks and pigs aimed at improving livelihoods and boosting household incomes.
On energy, she said electricity has been extended to many areas while solar energy projects continue to be implemented across the county.
Regarding concerns that had previously been raised about officers responsible for inspecting business licences, Ms Nyachania said measures had been put in place to improve service delivery.
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“Those officers have now been issued with special identification numbers to ensure transparency and maintain a good working relationship with businesspeople,” she said.
She acknowledged that there had been complaints in the past about harassment by some officers but maintained that the situation has since improved.
In addition, the municipality has established a one-stop office for the payment of licences and other county fees, making it easier for traders to access services.
Push for Smart City status
Ms Nyachania said some of the factors supporting Thika’s bid for Smart City status include its population size, the presence of numerous industries, well-developed infrastructure and efficient transport links, including the Thika Superhighway.
She further noted that hawkers will no longer face unnecessary disruptions as their operating hours have been officially set from 12:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Meanwhile, Professor Peter Wanderi of Mount Kenya University (MKU) said the institution will continue collaborating with the Kiambu County Government on various development initiatives.
On her part, Ms Juliet Kimemia of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), Kiambu Chapter, said local traders have significant opportunities to export their products to international markets, including Ghana and other African countries.
“The Chamber of Commerce is ready to guide and support businesspeople in accessing foreign markets so that they can earn greater profits from their products,” said Ms Kimemia.
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