Residents of Kamuchege in Lari Sub-County, Kiambu County, benefited from a public sensitization forum on government services spearheaded by Kiambu County Commissioner Joseph Boen.
The forum, held at Kamuchege Market, brought together representatives from various national and county government departments to engage directly with residents, respond to their concerns, and outline available services and empowerment programmes. The initiative aimed to enhance public awareness, strengthen service delivery, and address pressing local challenges in the agriculturally rich area.
Kamuchege is known for its high agricultural productivity, particularly in coffee, avocado, and livestock farming. However, the region has recently faced security concerns linked to rising crop values.
The forum was officially opened by the area Chief, Francis Kanage, who highlighted key security and social issues affecting the community. He cited rampant cases of stock theft, coffee theft, and avocado theft, noting that the situation had caused anxiety among farmers.
Chief Kanage reported that several suspects involved in rustling and crop theft had been arrested and that security agencies had largely contained the situation. He urged residents to work closely with security officers by sharing information promptly.
“Security begins with you. Let’s collaborate and make this place safe. If you have any information, give it to us and we will take it from there,” he said.
The chief further linked cases of theft and insecurity to alcohol and drug abuse among some youth in the area. He called on enforcement teams and the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) to intensify efforts to curb substance abuse and ensure compliance with existing regulations.
He also appealed to government agencies present to expand empowerment and employment opportunities for young people as a strategy to reduce idleness and prevent involvement in criminal activities.
During the open forum session, residents were given an opportunity to air their views. An elderly resident, Njoroge wa Mwangi, emphasized the need for greater youth engagement and mentorship within the community. He encouraged parents to involve young people in farming activities, particularly coffee farming, to promote responsibility and productivity.
“The situation we are in now can be addressed. Parents should not leave the youth alone but involve them in farming, especially coffee. Idleness brings about this behaviour as they engage in drug abuse,” he said.
He also called for the establishment of a police post in the area to further enhance security and ensure faster response to incidents.
County Commissioner Boen was accompanied by officials from various government departments and agencies, including Kenya Power, NACADA, the National Transport and Safety Authority, the Youth Fund, the Ministry of Lands, the Registrar of Political Parties, the Uwezo Fund, Nyota ya Kesho CBO, the Registrar of Persons, NEMA, county health officials, county enforcement officers, and National Government Administrative Officers.
The engagement underscored the government’s commitment to community participation, improved service delivery, and enhanced security in rural areas such as Lari Sub-County, where agriculture remains the backbone of livelihoods.
Residents welcomed the initiative and expressed optimism that continued collaboration between national and county agencies would lead to sustained improvements in security, youth empowerment, and access to essential government services.
by Felix Kipkorir and Kelvin Karanja
