Thika mayor John Wandui yesterday asked rate defaulters to take advantage of the waiver to pay up their dues. Wandui said the council's services have been hamprered by lack of funds as deafaulters owe the council hundreds of million of shillings.

Wandui was speaking after lighting the mayor's tree outside the Thika Town Hall. He said the Thika Superhighway has increased the value of property and increased the town's population.

Town clerk John Mutie warned that the council will repossess the property of the defaulters. Mutie said the council is owed Sh1.18 billion - Sh486.7 million in actual rates and Sh702.7 million in penalties.

Earlier, Wandui, Mutie and council treasurer John Gicaci visited the Thika Women Prison, the Thika Childrens Home and the children's ward at the Thika Level 5 Hospital, where they donated gifts and food stuff from the council's christmas kitty.

The municipal council contributed Sh250,000 while Thika Water and Sewerage Company gave Sh200,000. Other contributors, the Equity Bank and Mama Millers gave Sh20,000 each while Centro food donated Sh10,000. Gicaci said the council is targerting to raise Sh1 million for the kitty. The ceremony was attended by councillors and business leaders.