In a bid to shape long-term development, Tharaka Nithi County, in collaboration with the University of Nairobi and project consultants, conducted community visioning workshops across its four sub-counties—Tharaka North, Tharaka South, Maara, and Chuka. Held in July 2019, the workshops brought together local residents, leaders, and stakeholders to contribute to the formulation of the county’s 10-year spatial plan under the County Government Act of 2012. Participants shared their development aspirations, identifying priority projects that would guide infrastructure, resource utilization, and socio-economic growth in the coming decade.
The workshops aimed to provide a comprehensive framework for sustainable development by creating a base map of the county, assessing socio-economic and cultural factors, and evaluating existing infrastructure and services. The process included gathering community vision statements, synthesizing current conditions, and developing strategic scenarios for future growth. This participatory approach ensured that the plan reflects the real needs and priorities of the county’s residents, bridging policy goals with local perspectives.
County officials and project leaders hailed the workshops as a major step toward inclusive planning. By involving communities directly, the spatial plan is expected to foster equitable resource allocation, enhance human capital development, and support long-term economic growth. Looking ahead, the county aims to implement the identified projects systematically, ensuring that development is guided by both expert planning and grassroots input, creating a roadmap for sustainable and balanced growth across Tharaka Nithi.