Leaders from Garissa County are now calling on the National government to fast-track the posting of officials to the created administrative units.
They were speaking during the commissioning of Shanta Abaq sub-county by Interior CS Kithure Kindiki.
Lagdera MP Abdikadir Hussein said that while they were happy that the government had finally fulfilled its promise, all they were looking forward to is seeing various government services offered at the new sub-county.
He said that it will not be right for residents to continue seeking services elsewhere yet they now have their sub-county.
“This is a historic day for residents here. The establishment and operationalization of the new administrative unit mark a significant milestone in the areas of local governance. I am a very happy man. I feel like a very heavy load has been lifted from my shoulders,” Hussein said.
He added: “Now what we are looking forward to is having our people getting all the available services right here without having to travel to Garissa town to access the same,” he added.
The MP said for a long time residents have been forced to seek services 90km away in Modogashe town and in some instances Garissa town that is 200km away, something that had inconvenienced them and proved expensive.
The MP thanked the government for restoring peace along the Garissa-Isiolo border in Lagdera saying for a long time criminals have had a free day carrying out attacks, killing people, and stealing livestock.
He however called on the government to honor its pledge of setting up an anti-stock theft camp along the border which he said will go a long way in further beefing up security.
On his part CS Kindiki said the government was determined to accelerate development at the grassroots level noting that inaugurating new sub-counties was one way of doing that.
He announced that the government will in the coming weeks post all departmental heads to the area to assist in service delivery.
“I want to announce here that the government is determined to bring services closer to the people. We will start with the sub county security heads, civil register, the sub county TSC director, the sub county director of education and all the other officials. Recruitment of officers joining our security sector will also be done right here,” he said.
The CS said that soon the government will operationalize more sub counties across the country.
He said Sankuri Sub County will soon be operationalized, noting that the only issue standing in the way was the elders agreeing where the headquarters will be.
He urged residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by volunteering information that would help end terror attacks, noting that development and security go hand in hand.
He said the government will continue working closely with elected leaders irrespective of their party affiliations.
The CS further disclosed that President William Ruto will officially open a national registration offence once he visits the region disclosing that it is during the visit that the president will announce new changes in the process of issuing the ID cards in the region.
Governor Jama emphasized the need to use the new administrative areas to spur growth, development, and service delivery to the people.
He said the county will operationalize all sub-county offices for all departments.
The colorful event was officially promoted from Assistant County Commissioner to Deputy County Commissioner.
He will be responsible for the coordination, management, and supervision of government services.
Others in attendance were Garissa Senator Abdul Haji, Woman representative Udgoon Siyad, County Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo, and a host of other leaders.
By Erick Kyalo
