County Assembly Approves Chuka Municipality Development Plan

The County Assembly of Tharaka Nithi has adopted a report by the Committee on Lands, Housing and Physical Planning on the Chuka Municipality Integrated Development Plan 2024–2029, which is a detailed framework to guide development programs and projects over the next five years.

According to the committee, the plan will guide the municipality in executing its functions and act as a basis for aligning the municipal budget with the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP), County Spatial Plan (CSP), the County’s Three-Year Fiscal Plan, and the Municipal Integrated Spatial Development Plan.

Among the key development strategies and implementation frameworks proposed by the committee is the creation of a 30-meter buffer zone along rivers to prevent encroachment, and the development of waterfronts along rivers with waterways, cycle paths, and connecting lanes to protect riparian reserves.

Under social infrastructure strategies, relocation of the cemetery to the outskirts of the municipality has been suggested. Expanding healthcare centers through dispensaries and clinics within the municipality, according to the committee, will provide residents with easier access to medical services and help decongest Chuka Level 5 Hospital.

Under physical infrastructure strategies, the committee noted the need for identification and transfer of an alternative solid waste management site outside the municipality, and the establishment of a fully equipped fire station to improve the municipality’s efficiency in responding to fire-related emergencies.

Additionally, the municipality is set to be connected to a sewer plant in Kaanwa to provide residents with access to essential liquid waste management services.

Among the transport strategies, an airstrip has been proposed to facilitate quicker delivery of supplies and boost the agriculture sector.

Expansion of the Jua Kali industrial base along the road to Kaanwa was also identified to create transit-oriented development and attract commercial activities.

The committee also proposed upgrading roads to all-weather standards to enable easier access to services. Efficient parking spaces within the CBD and surrounding areas were noted as necessary to reduce traffic congestion caused by street parking.

To reduce overcrowding in the Chuka Open Air Market, construction of a permanent structure with stalls and connection to water and power supply was highlighted, along with regularization of land use development and implementation of a valuation roll set to generate revenue for the municipality.

The committee also proposed the provision of tenure security to plot owners through titling to encourage investment, as well as defining the municipality’s urban limit through zoning to prevent encroachment on ecological zones.

“Planning was needed through the Integrated Development Plan due to the growing population in the municipality. We hope that through donations and allocations from the county budget, key projects as highlighted by the committee will be implemented,” said Karingani Ward MCA Godfrey Murithi Gaturo.

The Chuka Municipality Integrated Development Plan 2024–2029 was prepared and tabled in the House on 26th November 2024, and subsequently committed to the Committee on Lands, Housing and Physical Planning for consideration and compilation of a report that would culminate in the approval of the plan.

The municipality has a 6% urbanization growth rate, driven by migration from rural areas and economic opportunities. This growth has led to increased demand for housing, resources, and infrastructure.

The committee is led by Gatunga Ward MCA Salvestas Kanyaru Mugao and deputized by Nominated MCA Murungi Rael Fatuma.