Mandera Municipality adopts huduma centre model for devolved services

Mandera County on Thursday launched a municipality huduma center, a concept borrowed from the national government, to enhance service delivery within Mandera Municipality. 

Municipality Chief Executive Officer Matkher Mohamed Manoor explained that the centre, located at the Mandera fire station, is a one-stop shop for local services, and has competent and experienced staff trained in customer care.

Launched after testing and certification, he said it will enable the public to access many devolved services without moving significant distances from one office to another.

Mandera Municipality Chief Executive Officer Matkher Mohamed Manoor during the launch of their huduma centre on January 11, 2024. (Photo: Mandera County).

Matkher further noted that the digitisation of services, including payment of revenue, will reduce corruption and inefficiency. When former President Uhuru Kenyatta launched the national service, he said it was aimed at promoting efficient service delivery and reducing corruption and bureaucracy.

The municipality boss assured quality services by the enforcement, compliance public health, revenue collection, development control, trade and market, and fire fighting departments.

Reacting to the development, Mandera residents told The Eastleigh Voice that the centre is accessible and will therefore prevent time wastage.

"We have a problem of long queues when seeking services such as acquiring business licenses. I hope the municipality huduma center will be efficient and have enough staff to offer quick services," said Abdi Hassan Alio, a trader in Bula Mpya.

Staff of the Mandera Municipality huduma centre during its launch on January 11, 2024. (Photo: Mandera County).

Amina Maalim Mohamed, who runs a business near Mandera town, said she was glad that they would no longer "run from one office to another seeking services", while Abdihakim Dido Qala, another trader, said they had waited long for the replication of the government service.

Matkher further announced the enforcement of the countrywide ban on plastic bags. He urged residents to comply, noting that the plastic bags they import from other counties are hazardous to the environment.

He also highlighted a tree planting programme that will soon start within the municipality, in line with a directive by President William Ruto, as part of his government's strategies for fighting the climate crisis.