Kirinyaga Residents Back Plan to Elevate Sagana, Kagio, and Wang’uru to Municipalities
Kariti Ward MCA Jeremiah Makimi also supported the proposal, recalling that Sagana and Kagio previously had a town council before devolution.
The residents and local businessmen welcomed the prospects of change. "This plan will create room for investors and create more jobs. Photo/ Courtesy
By Juliet Jerotich
The people of Sagana, Kagio, and Wang’uru towns in Kirinyaga County voted overwhelmingly in favor of the county government‘s proposal to elevate their towns to municipal status. The plan, which provides for two new municipalities—Sagana-Kagio as a joint municipality and Wang’uru as a standalone one—is expected to stimulate urban growth, improve infrastructure, and provide access to additional government and donor funds.
County officials consider the decision timely, given the very high population growth rate as well as enhanced business activities in the three towns. The move is also considered a strategic step towards improving city administration and ensuring very coordinated planning within the county. Referring to public participation forums held across the towns, Lands, Housing, and Urban Development County Executive Committee Member Rev. Samuel Kajobe emphasized that public participation was part of the process required by Article 10 of the Constitution.
“We undertook this exercise to examine the feasibility of creating two new municipalities—Sagana-Kagio composite and Wang’uru as independent,” Rev. Kajobe explained. He elaborated that the three towns are experiencing immense urban expansion with increasing trade, industrialization, and infrastructure development. “Sagana is projected to have a population of around 175,000, courtesy of the construction going on in the industrial park. Wang’uru, whose catchment area includes Nyeri, Embu, and Murang’a counties, is also projected to hit more than 100,000 people. Kagio’s rapid urbanization is due to its lucrative fresh produce market,” he continued.
Kajobe also noted that the county was already benefiting from the existing Kerugoya–Kutus Municipality and expanding municipal coverage will help ensure that development is well balanced in Kirinyaga. The demarcation and feasibility study are coordinated by a committee chaired by Irene Kiatu of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), who stated that public participation has been encouraging and robust. “Sagana has witnessed high numbers, and individuals are keen on shaping the future of their towns,” Kiatu said.
Kariti Ward MCA Jeremiah Makimi also supported the proposal, recalling that Sagana and Kagio previously had a town council before devolution. “Only Kerugoya and Kutus enjoy municipal privileges today. Having town or municipal status will allow us to access KURA-constructed roads, establish management committees, and invest in amenities like fire stations and uninterrupted water supply,” he noted.
The residents and local businessmen welcomed the prospects of change. “This plan will create room for investors and create more jobs,” said a Kagio trader, Mary Nyawira. “We want improved markets, good planning, and improved infrastructure.” “It was long overdue,” said a trader, Wachira Njogu, adding that “municipality status will improve roads, sewerage systems, and amenities and correct administrative overlaps between Mwea West and Kirinyaga West.”
Back in Wang’uru, residents shared the same sentiments. James Murimi supported neighboring areas such as Kimbimbi, Mutithi, Gathigiriri, and Thiba being on board to spur regional development, while Grace Wanja said the initiative would make residents access basic services from their backyards. On approval, the new municipalities will qualify for more money to upgrade road networks, drains, disposal of garbage, and markets—a feat that marks Kirinyaga’s urbanization.
About Author
