Residents of the newly created Ithanga/Kakuzi sub county in Murang’a County have heaved a sigh of relief after the administrative unit got a Deputy County Commissioner.
On Friday, Angela Makau was posted as DCC for the sub county, which was hived off from Gatanga Sub County.
The new administrative unit was gazetted on June 4, this year bringing to an end grievances by local residents who complained of traveling for long distances to access government services in Gatanga sub county headquarters.
In May, this year President Uhuru Kenyatta gifted the residents of Gatanga south a new sub county, which was relayed by Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i when he visited the area.
The new administrator is expected to fight criminal activities including brewing of illicit alcohol and trafficking of drugs like bhang.
Locals were forced to go through Thika town in Kiambu County to get to the upper Gatanga to access government services like applying for birth certificates and identity cards.
Murang’a County Commissioner Fredrick Ndunga speaking during a ceremony of handing over tools of work to the new DCC said the sub county security team will work out how to root out criminal activities which have been experienced in the area.
He said criminals were taking advantage of long distances to access sub county headquarters to perpetuate crime.
“The priority will be to fight the illicit brews and trafficking of drugs. The DCC will also work out to ensure education standards at Ithinga are improved,” said Ndunga.
The new administrator, Ndunga added, will also help us to sensitise locals on Covid-19 and enforce the government’s guidelines.
Gatanga MP Joseph Nduati lauded the creation of the new sub county saying locals will not be forced to travel for long distances seeking services from the office of DCC.
Nduati noted that Gatanga sub county was vast as it stretched from Aberdare ranges in the north to border Machakos County at the south.
“We appreciate the government led by President Uhuru Kenyatta for giving us this new sub county. This means people will feel the presence of the government near them,” he added.
Gatanga becomes the second constituency in Murang’a County to have two sub counties after Kiharu which has Kahuro and Murang’a East sub counties.
The new sub county comes with new locations namely Ngaatho and Kirathani with the MP saying security in the region has received a big boost.
Nduati further divulged that the government is also working to ensure the locals can access water for domestic use and irrigation.
A Sh2.5 billion water project which is being implemented is about to be completed and is expected to serve residents of the sub county.
A local resident, Monicah Nyambura appreciating the new administrative unit said many young people had no IDs and the closeness of sub county offices will ensure people can easily get IDs among other government documents.
“We are happy that the government has brought these services closer to our homes,” she said.
By Bernard Munyao
