Q: Why is it that after paying for my Business Permit at Gatundu Estate, the Councils Askaris are still harassing me?
A: You failed to give full details of your location. So you paid for your Permit at Gatundu Estate which could have meant Gatundu Town in Thika County Council for instance in our area of jurisdiction or in Thika County Council area. You were arrested by the County Council and not the Municipal Council. We communicate with the latter and issues are sorted out amicably.

Q: Can I pay for a monthly parking as opposed to daily parking?
A: Yes and you be issued with a seasonal sticker.

Q: Thika is so clean and orderly. What is wrong with the other major towns?
A: We are very independent entities as Local Authorities. For us, we strive to do our best.

Q: Why does the reserved parking cost so much, as opposed to the normal daily parking fee?
A: Because once the parking bay is accepted as a reserved parking, it becomes “Private” and we cannot charge any vehicle parked there. And, we do offer you protection of towing away any vehicle that obstructs you from parking in your reserved parking bay.

Q: How long does it take for a building to be approved?
A: Building plans takes 4 – 6 weeks to be approved.

Q: How much does the Council charge for a building plan?
A: It depends with the total plinth area covered by the building.

Q: What does a person need to have a road graded?
A: You come to the Council and apply.

Q: What is the procedure followed for one to place an advertisement within Thika Municipality?
A: You just come and apply to the Town Planner.

Q: What can I do if a building catches fire?
A: You call to the fire station and direct them to where the incident is.

Q: What am I supposed to do in order for me to put up a building within the Municipality?
A:You simply submit buildings and apply for permission to develop.

Q: What is the role of the Municipal Engineer Department?
A: It is charged with the duties of overseeing all the infrastructural aspects within the town.

Q: How can I get a reserved parking?
A: You apply to the Municipal Engineer stating the street you are interested in and the number of bays you want.

Q: What am I supposed to do in case I want services from the Municipal Engineer?
A: You are free to come and seek for services you need from the department.

Q: What am I supposed to do if I want to sub-divide land within the Municipality?
A: Submit the sub-division plans to the Planning Section and fill PPA 1 and then wait for approval.

Q: Why are meters stolen?
A: They are being stolen to be sold for extraction of brass material.

Q: Why do you not post receipts daily to avoid disconnecting us when we have already paid?
A: Unfortunately we are not online, but the computerization is at the advanced stage.

Q: Why do you charge big consumers higher rates as if to discourage water usage?
A: Our tariffs are graduated to ensure the ordinary citizen gets quality drinking water at an affordable price.

Q: Why have you not connected our estate to the sewer line?
A: The cost of constructing sewer line is so high, but we are doing small sections as we look for big finances.

Q: Your tariffs appear to very high. Why?
A: Our tariffs are relatively low compared to towns of our size the likes of Kisumu, Eldoret, Malindi, Nakuru. You also appreciate that the Thika Intake is down stream where we use lots of power for pumping in and out of treatments works, unlike those who use gravity.

Q: Why does the Council not collect garbage from all estates?
A: Because the Council does not have enough resources to buy all necessary equipment and staff

Q: Is it possible to get yellow fever vaccination from the Municipal Council?
A: Yes, you can be vaccinated against yellow fever during working days from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm

Q: How soon can a sanitary inspection be carried out for a premise that needs a report?
A: It can be carried out immediately, but you have to pay a fee to the Council

Q: Why does the Council refer food handlers to the District Hospital for examination?
A: Because the Council requires other services like laboratory testing, which it does not have

Q: When yellow fever vaccine is out of stock, can the residents access the same at the District or Private Hospitals?
A: No, because there are specified centres designated by World Health Organization (WHO) to offer the vaccination. Thika Municipal Council is designated in Central Province

Q: Who are eligible to get yellow fever vaccine? Is it only for people travelling outside country?
A: Anyone can be vaccinated, in case of an exposure

Q: What are the requirements for the registration of Private Schools?
A: • Title deed or lease of land.
    • Applicant should fill special forms obtainable at the Thika Education Office
    • School should be inspected by the Public Health and Town Planning Departments for suitability      of occupation
    • Registration will only be possible after approval by the Municipal Education Committee and      District Education Board

Q: Does the Council offer bursaries to poor and bright pupils?
A: Yes. Interested persons should apply through Area Counsellors

Q: When will the Council recruit new teachers?
A: There is no plan to recruit new teachers

Q: What is the Council doing to improve education standards in the Municipality?
A: Frequent in-house courses are held regularly to update teachers and officers on new trends in the area of teaching/learning. Schools are also regularly assessed where Education Officers discuss how to deliver effective curriculum

Q: How can schools acquire adequate toilet / sanitary facilities?
A: There are four sources of funding for the development of physical facilities namely:
• Constituency Development Fund (CDF)
• Council’s General Fund
• Parents contributions with approval from the Ministry of Education
• Free Primary Education Account

However the funds provided under these arrangements are not adequate. Well-wishers are invited to assist schools put up adequate toilet facilities

Q: Can the Council waiver or stagger license fees for small and new private schools?
A: Local Authorities obtain their revenue from user charges. Therefore, those who benefit from services offered by the Local Authority are advised to pay in order to continue enjoying the services. Prompt payment facilitates better service

Q: What is being done to improve school security in informal settlement areas of the Municipality?
A: The Municipal Council works closely with the Provincial Administration. Of late there are more police officers on patrol in all areas

Q: How can I get a Council Market Stall ?
A: Make an official application to the Town Clerk

Q: How can I get a Council House?
A: Make an official application for a Council house to the Town Clerk

Q: How can I obtain a transfer of my house ownership documents ?
A: Carry the original transfer documents, your national Identity card or passport, two colour passport size photographs and the Letter of Allocation. You will make copies of the same, and swear an Affidavit that the current owner has consented to your request