Nairobi: The Government has stepped-up efforts to improve service delivery and security in the Nairobi North Sub-Region through the deployment of additional National Government Administration Police Officers (NGAPO) and the roll-out of the Huduma Mashinani initiative. Nairobi North County Commissioner Simon Osumba said the two interventions were aimed at bringing government services and security closer to residents while strengthening the capacity of National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) to respond to emerging challenges at the grassroots.
According to Kenya News Agency, Osumba, speaking at Korogocho in Ruaraka Sub-county in Nairobi, noted that the sub-region had received NGAPO officers who had since been deployed across the six sub-counties of Starehe, Kamukunji, Mathare, Ruaraka, Roysambu, and Kasarani. He stated that the officers had been effectively utilized to support NGAOs in areas where additional police services were required, enhancing security visibility, particularly in Nairobi’s Central Business District.
The Commissioner highlighted that the officers have been instrumental in combating illicit brews through joint operations with area chiefs and conducting patrols to deter crime. They have also been involved in operations targeting unlicensed liquor outlets, working alongside other security officers during campaigns mounted by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA).
Residents of Korogocho in Ruaraka Sub-county are set to benefit from increased access to government services following the launch of the Huduma Mashinani initiative. Osumba explained that this initiative aims to decentralize government services, reducing the need for residents to travel to central government offices. The program will incorporate more services over time, particularly benefiting residents of informal settlements who face challenges accessing government services due to distance and logistical constraints.
Osumba urged residents to participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise to ensure eligible citizens are registered ahead of the next General Election. He mentioned that while progress has been made, a significant number of eligible residents have yet to register. Government agencies plan to continue engaging residents at the grassroots level to inform them about available services and encourage the use of digital payment platforms to enhance convenience.
During the launch, Osumba was accompanied by officials from the National Police Service and other government agencies, including Ruaraka Deputy County Commissioner James Yagan and Sub-Regional Administration Police Commander Representative Superintendent Musa Said. The combined deployment of NGAPO officers and expansion of Huduma Mashinani services is expected to strengthen the Government’s presence at the grassroots, enhancing security, supporting administrative operations, and improving residents’ access to public services across the Nairobi North Sub-Region.
Some of the services that residents will have access to include Social Health Authority services, registration of identification cards, and voter registration, among other government services.
