Huduma Kenya expands footprint in Kilifi with new service centres

EMMANUEL MASHA and BARAKA MWENI-KNA

The Government has embarked on the construction of Huduma Centres in Kilifi County to enhance access to government services for the public.

Huduma Kenya CEO Benjamin Kai Chilumo launched Huduma Centre projects in Chonyi, Ganze, Malindi, and Kaloleni, with plans to expand services to Rabai and Watamu in the next financial year.

Currently, the county has only one Huduma Centre, located in Kilifi Town, and the new initiative aims to reduce the need for residents from remote areas in the county to travel to Kilifi or Mombasa for essential government services.

Speaking at the launch of the Malindi Huduma Centre at the Deputy County Commissioner’s office, Chilumo said the proposed centre would transform the delivery of government services while addressing youth unemployment challenges in the county.

“In addition to the usual government services, the centre will have a music recording studio for our talented youth to record their music; there will be a digital hub for those who want to access online jobs, as well as a passport processing centre,” he said.

Malindi Deputy County Commissioner David Lusava urged residents to utilise the centre for obtaining crucial documents such as national identity cards and birth certificates.

He acknowledged the collaboration by the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) and the Malindi Member of Parliament’s office in establishing a digital hub within the centre.

Kilifi Deputy Governor Flora Mbetsa Chibule, highlighted the importance of addressing youth challenges, noting that 60 per cent of the county’s population comprises young people.

Malindi MP Amina Laura Mnyazi expressed gratitude for the provision of space within the Deputy County Commissioner’s compound for the project.

Kilifi Woman Representative Gertrude Mbeyu Mwanyanje added that the centres would ease the burden of residents who currently must travel long distances for government services.