A proposal to relocate GK Prison from the central business district of Thika to create space for infrastructure development has triggered heated debate from leaders and residents.

Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a (below) is pushing for the relocation of the facility that occupies over 20 acres of prime land, but many people are opposed to the plan. She says: “It makes little sense to have it right in the centre of town. There are other uses we can put the land to, including expanding government offices”.

Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has also proposed that the prison be moved to land recently surrendered to the county government by pineapple growing and processing firm Del Monte.

But some residents want the views of the public taken into account before the proposal is implemented. Joseph Mwangi, a resident, says should the plan succeed, the government should consider utilizing the space for construction of government offices.

The residents single out expansion of Thika Law Court that, despite handling many cases, has little land for expansion. “If Thika is to gain city status, expansion of government offices must happen. Moving some facilities such as the prison is welcome, but after due process,” said Mwangi.

On his part, Damaris Maithia, a trader, said the land should be used to decongest the town, which suffers  traffic snarl-ups. “We lose a lot of money in business and time wasted in traffic jams. This land should be used to put up another link road connecting the town with the busy Garissa Highway,” said Maithia.

Locals also urged the government to curb grabbing of prime, public land.