Residents of Mwea East and Mwea West sub-counties have welcomed the opening of a new Huduma Centre in Mwea Town, describing it as a major milestone in bringing essential government services closer to the people.
The facility, which became operational three weeks ago, is the 61st Huduma Centre in the country and the second in Kirinyaga County. Since opening its doors, it has continued to receive a high number of clients seeking various government services.
The centre offers a wide range of services under one roof, including National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) services, National Identity card applications and replacements, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) services, registration of persons, SHA registration, and other digitized government services.
Residents say the facility has eliminated the need to travel long distances to Kerugoya or Embu to access public services, saving them both time and money.
John Karuru, a resident of South Ngariama who visited the centre to replace his Identity Card, said the new facility has significantly eased access to government services.
“The government has done a good job by bringing these services closer to the people of Mwea. I come from South Ngariama, and previously we had to travel to Embu or Kerugoya for these services. Having the Huduma Centre here is a great relief,” said Karuru.
He noted that the centre has enhanced convenience, efficiency and accessibility, particularly for residents from remote parts of Mwea who previously spent hours and significant transport costs travelling to neighbouring Embu County.
“We are very happy with the Huduma Centre. It is a big help to the people of Mwea. Many of us come from villages using boda bodas, and we used to lose a lot of time travelling to access these services,” he added.
Karuru praised the government’s efforts to decentralize public services, saying many citizens had previously been disadvantaged due to the long distances they had to travel.
Mwea East Assistant County Commissioner (ACC) John Mwenda said the centre is now fully operational and is expected to transform service delivery within the region. He urged young people who have attained the age of 18 to take advantage of the facility by applying for national identity cards and registering as voters.
“Our government is committed to bringing services closer to the people. Residents of Mwea previously travelled to Embu and Kerugoya to access these services. Today they can receive them here which is their right,” said Mwenda.
According to Mwenda, the facility will reduce travel expenses, improve efficiency in service delivery, and promote greater inclusion by ensuring residents can conveniently access government services within their locality.
By Mutai Kipng’etich
