The big problem with Kiambu County

A lot has happened over the past year since Thika Live took a holiday. The political setup has changed with the entry of  the County Government and Worrah, we have a Governor, Senator, tens of MPs and whole lot of MCAs. Personally, I love the new setup due to the huge benefits that Wanjiku could get from devolution. Kiambu County and Thika specifically is well poised to reap large from devolution and there are signs that we are heading the right direction although will less glamour and hype like other counties. I might admit we have a long way to go in terms of development in all sectors and it upto the County Government to actualize that since thats what we have mandated them to do.

It illicits pride to see Counties that were previously splashed with dust, hunger and over reliance on government and aid agencies rising up to sponsor development programs in their own backgrounds. Its amazing that Turkana will starting benefiting directly from ground reserves in the area. The scenario is replicated in Machakos with magnificent develpmenet plans being laid down by their governor. Although political misunderstanding derail continous developments, we remain hopeful that four years from now, life will be much more better for Wanjiku.
                                     
The main problem that ails Kiambu County I believe is the widespread unemployment of its youth. The county is heavily blessed with infrastructure that gives it a better start than other counties. It has its own mutated challenges different from other counties that have to fight hunger, poverty, bad roads, political tensions, terrorism and a myriad of other problems. This does not mean that we are better than other counties, but it gives us a peak at the good position we are placed. It doesn't make things any better that the Head of State is a life resident of the county. The strategic location of Kiambu County is both a blessing and a curse. Personally I blame it for the explosive unemployment plus the under utilization of agriculture and industrialization potential of the county.

Kiambu reminds me of the period after the great American depression. Everyone wants a piece of the county if the external investments into the county are anything to go by. Economically, I believe its more rewarding to the county for its residents were to control investments rather than being employed to earn a few thousands. We have the Kiambu county market to satisfy, the neighboring Nairobi, Muranga, Ukambani area and even Nakuru. It is made all possible by the great infrastructural developments in the county. This calls for a real awakening of local investors to arm themselves economically through making huge personal and collaborated investments in real estate, agriculture industries and what we love best entrepreneurship. So what are you doing to change your fortunes.

Thika: An update on the Tanga Accident & Thika Homes Expo

Thika Town has been swept by a cloud of mourning and sadness since yesterday as a result of a tragic road accident in Tanga, Tanzania. We have lost 13 of our dear mothers who were among members of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Landless parish. The women were headed for a church mission in Dar-es-salaam and eventually to Zanzibar. The accident happened at Mandere, an area between Tanga and Dar-es-salaam. The group was travelling in two buses with a total of 84 passengers.

It is very unfortunate that the cruel hand of death could snatch our dear mothers especially when they were heading to a church mission. The landless area is in mourning and the PCEA fraternity and Thika Live joins the families of the departed in this trying time. Thika Live also lauds the government’s efforts in airlifting the survivors to Nairobi as fast as the news hit the country. Of particular mention is the Deputy Prime Minister, Honourable Uhuru Kenyatta and Juja MP William Kabogo who is the area MP, who were at hand to offer assistance and to receive the deceased.

The latest wave of accidents to hit our neighbouring brothers Tanzania is becoming too common with casualties spreading to Kenya. We also appeal to the Tanzanian authorities to emphasize vigilance and safety on their roads. The events involving the ferry accidents, the Tuesday accident that claimed lives of 17 passengers and now this grisly Tanga accident warrant a preventive solution.

We appeal to all, including Kenyans to exercise road safety in order to conserve the sacred nature of human life. To our dear friends in Landless Estate we do offer our sincere condolescences.

 On a positive note, Thika Homes Expo kick-started yesterday and it was pure beauty. Greenbuck Consult has organized the event, which highlights the opportunities in Real Investment in Thika and the areas along the Thika Superhighway. Among the exhibitors are Commercial Bank of Africa, Kenya Commercial Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, UAP Holdings, KPLC, Kenya Revenue Authority and Solaris Ecopower. Others are Ndatani Enterprises, Developing Africa Ltd, Pekar Roofing, Hardi Kenya, M & M Properties and artist Dennis Muthomi of Q 5 Creatives among others. The expo is being held at the magnificent Blue Post Hotel.

 According to Mr Martin Muuri of GreenBack Consult, the first day was a success and today will witness the official visit by the Chief Guest: Honourable Uhuru Kenyatta. Thika Homes Expo remains open and free for all until Sunday the 12^th. All are welcome to visit the different stands and sample the different real investment opportunities presented by exhibitors.