Nairobi: The opening of the Tharaka Nithi County headquarters administration block has marked a major milestone in the county’s devolution journey, ending more than a decade of operations from temporary structures and providing a central facility for delivery of public services.
According to Kenya News Agency, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who was the chief guest during the official opening at Kathwana over the weekend, said the completion of the headquarters demonstrated the progress made through devolution and the importance of providing counties with appropriate facilities to serve residents. Mudavadi emphasized that effective public service delivery required government institutions to have adequate and suitable working facilities.
Governor Muthomi Njuki highlighted that Tharaka Nithi was among the lowest-funded counties when devolution began in 2013, forcing it to operate from makeshift mabati structures. Despite these challenges, the temporary structures had served the county for years, enabling the devolved government to establish key institutions and provide services to residents. He commended the County Assembly and county staff for their cooperation and commitment to serving residents during the formative years of devolution.
The Governor noted that the same makeshift structures had produced senior leaders, including the current Woman Representative, while the County Assembly had enacted 85 laws during the period it operated from the temporary premises. Njuki stated that the new headquarters boasts 150 offices, five boardrooms, and a baby creche/daycare facility, providing a more conducive working environment for county employees and improving service delivery.
He added that the completion of the facility is expected to boost economic activity in Kathwana by creating increased business opportunities for traders and service providers. Njuki urged traders who had closed their businesses, including hotels, to reopen and take advantage of the increased economic activity expected following the establishment of the county headquarters. He also challenged the governor who will take office after the 2027 General Election to remain focused on improving the welfare of residents and building on the county’s achievements.
The project, under construction since 2015, aims to consolidate key county administrative functions and provide a permanent home for the devolved government. Njuki mentioned that the county would now focus on fully operationalising the facility and ensuring it is effectively utilised to enhance service delivery to the people of Tharaka Nithi.
