NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept 18 – Residents of Mwea can now access a range of government services locally following the commissioning of a new Huduma Centre in Ngurubani, Kirinyaga County.

The centre, which has been operational since July, was officially commissioned by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during his visit to Mwea.

It is the 61st Huduma Centre in Kenya and the second in Kirinyaga County after the one in Kerugoya.

The facility is expected to reduce the need for residents to travel to Kerugoya and Embu to access government services, cutting travel time and transport costs.

The services available include application and replacement of identity documents, birth and death certificates, Kenya Revenue Authority services and pension-related inquiries.

“Government services must be accessible to the people. The establishment of the Mwea Huduma Centre brings essential services closer to residents, saving them time and the cost of travelling long distances,” Kindiki said.

The centre also has a Jitume ICT Hub where young people can access digital skills training and opportunities in areas such as content creation, web design, transcription and freelance work.

Mwea MP Mary Maingi, who pushed for the establishment of the centre, said residents had for years been travelling outside the constituency to access some government services.

“For a long time, our people have had to travel outside Mwea to access services that should be available closer to home. Today, we are seeing that change. This centre will save our people time and money while making government services more accessible,” Maingi said.

The establishment of the centre is part of efforts to decentralise government services and make them available closer to citizens at the grassroots.