Kericho: Kericho County Government has strengthened service delivery at the grassroots by launching a successful Huduma Mashinani outreach drive that saw 3,351 services delivered across seven centres. Top service in demand and the most sought-after service was duplicate identity card applications with 1,041 cases. The outreach, conducted in Kedowa, Tugunon, Kapcheplanga, Londiani, Tendeno, Sorget, and Chepseon, brought together key government agencies under a coordinated framework designed to decentralize services and enhance accessibility.
According to Kenya News Agency, the multi-agency approach enabled residents to access a wide range of critical services including civil registration, security documentation, tax compliance, electoral services, education financing, and health insurance within their localities, significantly reducing the cost and time traditionally associated with seeking such services in urban centres. The high number of duplicate identity card applications reflects the centrality of identification services in government operations and citizen engagement. Identity cards are a prerequisite for accessing most government services, including employment registration, financial services, business licensing, and social protection programmes.
The demand observed in Kericho underscores both the challenges citizens face in maintaining documentation and the increasing reliance on government systems that require formal identification for service access. In an interview with KNA, Mary Chepkoech of Kaptenet said she had delayed replacing her lost identity card due to the high cost and time involved in traveling to town, but had now been able to apply for a duplicate within her locality, enabling her to resume her normal economic activities. 'I am very relieved because I can now continue with my work without the stress and uncertainty I had before,' she added.
Civil registration services also recorded substantial uptake, with 655 applications for birth certificates, reaffirming their importance in accessing education, healthcare, and other government-led programmes. Birth certificates serve as foundational documents in the lifecycle of service delivery, facilitating school enrollment, national examination registration, and integration into national databases that support planning and service provision.
In addition, 272 first-time identity card applications were processed, pointing to a steady transition of young people into the national registration system. This category is critical for long-term government planning, as it brings new entrants into the fold of formal service delivery, enabling them to access employment opportunities, financial inclusion programmes, and other state-supported initiatives.
Security-related government services were equally prominent, with 640 police abstracts issued and 30 police clearance certificates processed. These services are essential in facilitating insurance claims, replacement of lost documents, and compliance with employment requirements, particularly for individuals seeking opportunities in both public and private sectors.
Electoral and revenue services also formed a key component of the outreach, with 206 Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) transactions recorded, alongside 97 Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) services. These included voter verification and registration services as well as PIN-related assistance, reflecting ongoing efforts by the government to strengthen civic participation and tax compliance as part of national development.
Education financing services under the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) recorded 145 cases, demonstrating continued demand among students and graduates seeking financial support and loan management services. The availability of these services at the grassroots ensures that beneficiaries can access timely assistance without disrupting their academic or professional commitments. 'I came to follow up on my HELB loan and I was assisted immediately without delays, which has made it easier for me to plan my studies and future,' said Brenda Cherono, a student from Chepseon, speaking to KNA during the outreach.
Healthcare service delivery was also advanced through the registration of 137 residents under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), a key government programme aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage. The registration exercise enables households to access affordable healthcare while reducing out-of-pocket medical expenses, thereby strengthening social protection mechanisms.
Other government agencies were also represented, including the Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority (40 enquiries) and Kenya Power (20 enquiries), providing residents with access to financial recovery services and utility-related assistance. Though lower in volume, these services are integral in addressing specific citizen needs and enhancing overall service inclusivity.
Geographical analysis of service uptake shows that Kapcheplanga recorded the highest number of services at 625, followed by Kedowa with 582 and Sorget with 516. Chepseon accounted for 481 services, while Londiani recorded 444, Tugunon 382, and Tendeno 321, indicating widespread reach and balanced service distribution across the county. In Kedowa, residents demonstrated strong commitment to accessing government services by turning up in large numbers despite heavy rainfall. The turnout highlighted the importance attached to the outreach and the demand for accessible service points within local communities. Despite the challenging weather conditions, service delivery remained uninterrupted, with officials maintaining efficiency throughout the exercise. 'I have seen a big difference because services are now closer and faster, and this saves both time and money which I can now use in my small business,' said Joseph Bett of Londiani, speaking to KNA after receiving services.
Huduma Mashinani, implemented under the Huduma Kenya programme, is a strategic government initiative aimed at decentralizing public services by bringing them directly to the people. By integrating multiple agencies in a single outreach platform, the programme enhances efficiency, reduces congestion in urban service centres, and ensures that even residents in remote areas can access essential government services. The Kericho outreach demonstrates the effectiveness of this model in strengthening service delivery systems, improving citizen engagement, and supporting the broader objectives of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. As the programme continues to expand nationwide, it is expected to play a critical role in bridging service delivery gaps and ensuring equitable access to government services across the country.