Residents of Tharaka-Nithi Today accessed services and information from various Government agencies during the Mlima Huduma Mashinani initiative held at Kathwana Stadium, in an effort to bring public services closer to citizens and improve service delivery at the grassroots.
The initiative, organised by the Mt Kenya Caucus, brought together Directors and Heads of Departments from the Mountain region to sensitise residents on Government programmes and help them access services without travelling to different Government offices.
Among the institutions participating in the exercise were the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), Affordable Housing Programme, National Police Service, Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Anti-Counterfeit Authority, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Agriculture.
The agencies provided information on their respective mandates and guided residents on accessing public services, including police abstracts and opportunities available through various Government initiatives.
Speaking during the event, Secretary to the Cabinet Mercy Wanjau, who was the chief guest, commended the Government’s efforts to bring services closer to citizens and urged residents to support initiatives aimed at improving access to public services and development programmes.
Wanjau said the Government’s development record was visible and emphasised the importance of continued cooperation between citizens and Government institutions.
She also highlighted the potential of young people, urging them to take advantage of available opportunities to improve their livelihoods and contribute to national development.
Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs Roselyn Njogu encouraged young people in Tharaka-Nithi to explore overseas employment opportunities through recognised and legal recruitment channels.
Njogu said approximately 5,500 people from Tharaka-Nithi were working abroad, adding that her State Department would sensitise residents on opportunities available through overseas employment.
She announced that the Kazi Majuu programme was expected to conduct a sensitisation exercise in the county next month, urging young people to turn up in large numbers to learn about available jobs and the requirements for securing employment abroad.
Njogu also called on residents to support the Government under President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, saying continued support would enable them to benefit from Government programmes.
The event was hosted by Principal Secretary for Blue Economy and Fisheries Betsy Njagi and attended by Igambang’ombe MP Patrick Munene, alongside other leaders and representatives of Government institutions.
The forum provided residents with an opportunity to interact directly with Government officials, seek assistance and obtain information on services available through the participating agencies.
The Mlima Huduma Mashinani initiative seeks to promote equitable access to public services by bringing Government institutions closer to communities, particularly residents who face challenges travelling to offices to obtain assistance.
by Dickson Mwiti/Christine Ngitori
