Residents of Kaloleni constituency in Kilifi County can now expect easier access to essential government services, as the government has officially begun constructing a Huduma Center in the area.
The project, which will cost Sh 23 million, is expected to spare residents the long journey to Mombasa and Kilifi to access essential services such as application of birth certificates, identification cards, driving licenses, passports, and other public services.
Speaking during the ground-breaking ceremony, Huduma Kenya’s Chief Executive Officer, Ben Kai assured residents that the project would be completed by the end of the year and it will be operational early next year.
Kai also said that through the project local residents will be considered for employment opportunities beginning from labourers during the construction and also any other available positions upon commencement of operations.
“We are committed to ensuring that this Huduma Center is operational by early next year and this will greatly benefit the people of Kaloleni, saving them from the long and costly trips to either Mombasa or Kilifi for accessing essential government services,” Kai said.
He further revealed that the national government aims to establish Huduma centers in all 290 constituencies in a bid to bring services closer to the people.
“Our goal is to ensure that no Kenyan has to travel long distances for essential government services, every constituency will have a Huduma centre,” he added.
Kaloleni Member of Parliament Paul Katana, welcomed the project noting that the facility has come at the right time to rescue Kaloleni residents from inaccessibility of essential government services.
The Member of Parliament also cautioned public officers against corruption and negligence, asking them to uphold integrity while serving the people.
“It is crucial for officers across different sectors to provide efficient and honest services to the public. Those who fail to uphold work ethics and serve the people properly will face disciplinary action,” Katana warned.
Kaloleni residents expressed their joy over the launch of the project. Fridah Charles, a resident, said the centre would be particularly beneficial to mothers.
“This facility will be a huge relief, especially for mothers who struggle to obtain birth certificates for their children. Many of us have been forced to travel to Kilifi or Mombasa just to get our children’s records,” she explained.
On his part, Bwana Nzai a youth from the area, highlighted the importance of the center to young people in Kaloleni town and its environs.
Nzai further said that once operational the facility will boost Kaloleni’s economy by attracting people from surrounding areas such as Mariakani, Kayafungo and Mwanamwinga thereby creating job opportunities for local youth while making government services more accessible to the people of Kaloleni.
“Many youths will now be able to get passports and driving licenses without long-distance travel and the convenience of having these services nearby cannot be overstated,” Nzai stated.
Additionally, Kaloleni Constituency Development Fund Committee chairperson Lennox Mtengo highlighted the benefits the project brings to students, particularly in university and college enrolment through KUCCPS, noting that although Kaloleni is a Sub-County headquarters, it has lacked that facility for over a decade.
“Students will no longer have to rely on expensive private Cyber Cafes for university applications and any other online services,” Mengo noted.
In Kilifi County, the national government has so far launched the construction of Huduma Centres in Chonyi, Ganze, Malindi and now Kaloleni constituency with other constituencies set to launch the construction of the facility later this year.
By Stephen Mrira and Margaret Sidi
