A trade delegation from America is expected in Thika soon. The delegation will come to explore business opportunities to enhance trade cooperation between the Municipal Council of Thika and the City of Dixon, Illinois. The two towns are ‘Sisters’ after signing a Charter to twin Thika to Dixon.

The Mayor of Dixon City, Jim Burke who was in the country to sign the Charter, says that the mutual friendship between the two towns will create opportunities for cultural, social and economic exchanges.

“I will coordinate the business community from Dixon to come to Thika and explore business opportunities”, he said while signing the Visitors Book at Thika’s Town Hall. He promised the Municipal Council of Thika that he will oversee that business opportunities available in Thika are exploited to their full potential.

Thika Mayor, Johnson M. Githaiga welcomed the delegation citing the visit an opportunity to create mutual understanding between the communities.“It’ is a great way to link people for cultural, social and economic benefits”, he said.

Dixon City Mayor, Jim Burke signs the Visitor Book at Thika Town Hall.

Thika Town Mayor, Johnson Githaiga and Dixon City Mayor,Jim Burke (sitting front row) with members of their delegation

Thika signed the preliminary agreement to become a sister to Dixon City in June 2007 in the United States. Other cities twinned to Dixon are Castlebar in Ireland, Dickson in Siberia and Herzberg in Germany.

About Sister City Association

The Sister City International Program was launched to encourage an exchange of ideas between citizens of cities around the globe about three decades ago. In the program, the exchanges are personal – with new experiences and life enriching friendships. The exchanges also create an atmosphere of respect and build towards a dialogue between communities that helps understand global intra-dependency and world leadership, and, therefore, the cause of peace in the world.

An outgrowth of President Dwight Eisenhower’s People-to-People Program which was initiated in 1956, Sister Cities International has helped more than 745 U.S. cities establish links with over 1,000 communities in 86 nations of the world.

Dixon City Mayor, Jim Burke sitting in the Thika Town Hall Chambers with Thika Mayor, Johnson Githaiga and Thika Town Clerk, Johnson Kariuki.

The Dixon delegation inspects the Thika Water Treatment Plant.

The Sister City Association was incorporated in 1967 and supports its activities by private contributions, foundation grants, and funding support from US government.

The major activities of Sister Cities International are technical assistance programs with developing nations, youth and education programs, a national awards program, assistance in formalizing new affiliations, and a research and informational service.