The residents of songhor-Soba ward in Tinderet constituency have appealed for the establishment of one-stop-shop centres in every sub-county as a way of improving access to government services.
The residents said many people are forced to travel long distances to Kapsabet town in search of services such as national identity card applications, passport processing, birth certificates, police clearance certificates, SHA registration and tax-related services.
They noted that the long journeys have increased transport costs and caused delays, especially for the elderly, persons with disabilities, youth and small-scale traders.
The residents said the establishment of integrated service centres would reduce congestion at the county headquarters while bringing services closer to wananchi.
Businessman David Kiptoo from Maraba trading centre said many residents spend an entire day travelling to Kapsabet for services that would otherwise take only a short time if offered within Tinderet.
“We spend a lot on transport, while some of the services are urgent. A one-stop shop centre in Tinderet township would greatly ease the burden on residents,” he said.
Youth leader Mercy Jepchirchir said many young people seeking identity cards, HELB services and certificates of good conduct face challenges due to the distance involved.
She said some youth abandon the process because they cannot afford repeated transport costs.
“Government services should be closer to the people because many unemployed youths struggle financially,” she said.
Farmers from the expansive agricultural sub-county also supported the proposal, saying easier access to agricultural, cooperative and social protection services would save them time and improve productivity.
Another resident, Peter Sang, observed that the Sub County has a large population spread across a wide geographical area, making it necessary for more integrated public service centres to be established.
He said the setting up of more Huduma centres would improve efficiency and reduce overcrowding at existing offices.
The residents further proposed that the centres be equipped with digital infrastructure and staffed by officers from different government departments to ensure seamless delivery of services under one roof.
They now want both the national and county governments to work together in identifying suitable spaces and allocating resources for the establishment of one-stop public service centres in all six sub-counties.
By Sammy Mwibanda
