Hundreds of people turned up for Huduma Mashinani initiative held at Himaki in Nandi East Sub County, Nandi County which was spearheaded by Nandi County Commissioner (CC), Wilberforce Kilonzo, in a bid to bring services to the people.
The event which was attended by different national government Heads of departments, County officials, public service partners such as banks, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) and Huduma Centre officials who facilitated residents to get a number of services from one central place.
Speaking during the event Nandi County Commissioner Wilberforce Kilonzo explained that the goal of the Huduma Mashinani initiative is to ensure government officers serve the people living in the interior parts of the county and face severe challenges of accessing services offered mostly at the Sub County or County Headquarters.
Kilonzo thanked the area residents for turning up in large numbers noting that it is an indication that people residing from the interior parts are starved of government services thus need to organize even more such forums in the entire County.
“We are employed to serve the people. Now that we have learnt that people are hungry of servicers we will organize for many of this kind to reach out to everyone,” noted CC Kilonzo commending all official who attended from different departments and partners to offer services to the people.
During the exercise Kilonzo warned residents against alcoholism calling on alcohol consumers to take it responsibly and ensure they cease from consuming illicit brews and drugs that can greatly affect their health.
He observed that his office is working hand in hand with NACADA and KEBS to easily identify illicit brews in our locality and ensure they paralyze all of them to save the community.
“Alcohol is a poison whether legal or illegal brew. It should not be consumed in excess even when it meets the standards. I want to send a stern warning to those selling illicit brews. We are on the right track because in the last six weeks we have been able to close 44 percent of the illicit brew businesses in our County. We are going to deal with the remaining 66 percent accordingly as soon as possible,” calling on residents to collaborate with the authorities to ensure they combat illicit brews in Nandi County.
The administrator also emphasized on the issue of early marriages and defilement disclosing that a number of youths have landed in the hands of the authorities and are serving imprisonment due to engaging in sexual affairs with under aged children which is against the law noting that the most affected youths are college students.
“Committing sexual offences should not be solved in Kangaroo courts. These are serious offences that require imprisonment,” pointed CC.
Nandi East Sub County Deputy County Commissioner, Ngalia Ndaya, disclosed that during the public baraza of Huduma Mashinani at Himaki area, a total of 24 different services were given to the residents nine of which were offered by Huduma Centre while the 15 were offered by other different departments.
“Today through the CC initiative we have managed to offer 24 different services to the people. By 1p.m. we had already registered 521 people who had come for services,” disclosed DCC Ngalia.
On security matters Ngalia called on residents to avoid engaging in criminal activities warning that culprits will face the full force of the law.
Nandi County Huduma Centre manager, Henry Bidii, lauded the County commissioner on that initiative terming Huduma Mashinani a service delivery channel that enhances government services to the people.
Bidii utilized the baraza to sensitize residents on services offered at Huduma Centre calling on people to visit the centre whenever they want to be served, assuring them of efficient and effective services.
“Today it was like a one-stop shop. All the services were brought to one central place,” affirmed Bidii.
Area residents led by Henry Ruto commended the CC for bringing services close to wananchui, observing that most people are unable to access government services most of which are based at the County and Sub County headquarters. This is due to various challenges including financial constraints, distance among others.
“You are a ground puller, Mr. CC. The way hundreds flocked this event for services is a testament that people need more of them,” said Ruto.
Some of the essential services that were offered include health services where people were tested for pressure and sugar levels, voter registration, National Identity card, birth certificate, good conduct, Social Health Authority, NSSF, KRA services among others.
By Ruth Mainye
