Kerugoya Location has a new administrator following the inauguration of Chief Justus Mwari, with local leaders urging him to prioritise public engagement, fairness and efficient delivery of government services.
The inauguration ceremony, held at Kerugoya Jivanji Grounds, brought together government administrators, members of the public and local leaders to celebrate Mwari’s appointment and wish him well in his new assignment.
Speaking during the ceremony, Kirinyaga Central Deputy County Commissioner Josphine Mwengi called on residents to work closely with the national government administration team and report cases of indiscipline or misconduct by public officers.
Mwengi also urged the administration’s Ngao team to maintain close contact with residents and ensure that security and other government services respond to the needs of the community.
She called on members of the Nyumba Kumi initiative to remain active in sharing information with the administration, saying their close interaction with residents places them in a strategic position to identify and report emerging security concerns.
Mwengi said members of the Nyumba Kumi initiative had also started receiving monthly allowance from the government in recognition of their role in supporting community security. She urged them to continue working closely with chiefs, assistant chiefs and security agencies to strengthen security at the grassroots.
She further urged residents to report any cases of indiscipline or misconduct involving members of the administration, saying accountability was important in maintaining public confidence in government institutions.
Mwengi asked chiefs and assistant chiefs to intensify public participation through regular barazas, saying each assistant chief should organise at least two public meetings every month.
According to Mwengi, regular barazas would provide an important platform for residents to understand government programmes while allowing administrators to identify challenges affecting communities and channel them to the relevant authorities.
She further called for increased awareness and action against gender-based violence, rape and defilement, stressing that children must be protected from sexual abuse.
Mwengi also explained that when a chief’s position falls vacant, the government first considers qualified serving assistant chiefs for promotion before recruiting from outside the administration.
Chief Bethrosa Gashonde of Ngaru Location congratulated Mwari on his promotion and challenged him to serve all residents fairly and without favouritism.
Gashonde said the responsibilities of a chief extend beyond maintaining law and order, including helping residents access government services, resolving community issues and ensuring that information on government programmes reaches the grassroots.
She noted that Kerugoya, being an urbanising location and a major administrative and commercial centre, presents unique challenges that require an administrator who is accessible, responsive and closely connected to residents.
“Serve everybody fairly and make sure the people can access you whenever they have issues that require government intervention,” Gashonde told the new chief.
In his remarks, Chief Mwari thanked the government for giving him the opportunity to serve in the new capacity.
He pledged to respect both his mandate and the residents of Kerugoya Location, promising to work with the public and other government officers to ensure effective service delivery.
Mwari said he was ready to take up the responsibilities that come with his new position and called on residents to cooperate with the administration.
The new chief takes over at a time when the government continues to emphasise stronger grassroots administration and closer engagement between public officers and communities.
By David Wandeto
