Local administrators, working alongside officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the National Police Service, have reported improved security in the area during Mashujaa Day celebrations. Residents have also welcomed the government’s decision to recruit and pay village elders, while appealing for a government vehicle to improve service delivery in the newly established Thagicu Sub-County.
The developments emerged during Mashujaa Day celebrations held at Great Tana Campus of Tharaka University in Kitui County, where Kitui County Commissioner Erastus Mbui led the event and delivered President William Ruto’s address on behalf of the Head of State.
The celebrations brought together local administrators, security officers and residents to commemorate Kenya’s heroes and heroines while highlighting community security, grassroots leadership and the challenges facing administration across the vast area.
Administrators, police highlight zero-crime record
Local administrators, working in collaboration with DCI officers and the National Police Service, reported a zero-crime record, highlighting cooperation between security agencies, grassroots leaders and residents in maintaining peace.
The reported achievement placed the spotlight on the contribution of local administrators in identifying security concerns, sharing information with law enforcement agencies and helping resolve disputes before they escalate.
Village elders and other grassroots leaders often serve as a link between residents and government agencies, particularly in rural communities where geographical distances can complicate access to public services.
The zero-crime claim, as reported during the celebrations, had not been independently verified at the time of publication.
Residents welcome government’s decision to pay village elders
Residents welcomed the government’s move to recruit and remunerate village elders, describing the initiative as a motivation for grassroots administrators who shoulder important responsibilities in their communities.
They said formal recognition and payment would encourage village elders to continue supporting security efforts, resolving local disputes and coordinating with government officers.
The initiative was welcomed in the context of the reported security achievement, with grassroots leadership viewed as an important component of cooperation between communities and law enforcement agencies.
Residents expressed hope that remunerating village elders would strengthen their capacity to serve communities and improve coordination between local residents and the national administration.
Thagicu residents appeal for government vehicle
Despite welcoming the recruitment and remuneration of village elders, residents raised concerns about transport challenges facing the newly established Thagicu Sub-County.
They appealed to the government to provide a dedicated vehicle to facilitate administrative operations and improve connectivity across the vast area.
According to residents, inadequate transport could make it difficult for administrators to reach distant villages, respond promptly to emerging concerns and coordinate government activities across the sub-county.
They argued that a government vehicle would make it easier for administrators to move between communities, conduct field operations and deliver services to residents who live far from administrative offices.
The appeal highlights the practical needs that can accompany the establishment of new administrative units, including transport, staffing and operational resources.
For residents, the creation of a sub-county should be accompanied by the necessary logistical support to ensure government services reach all parts of the area efficiently.
Presidential message takes centre stage
Commissioner Erastus Mbui delivered President William Ruto’s address during the Mashujaa Day celebrations, connecting the local event to the national commemoration of Kenyans whose sacrifices and contributions have shaped the country’s history and development.
Mashujaa Day provides an opportunity to recognise the contribution of citizens, public servants and community leaders to national progress.
At the local level, the celebrations brought into focus the relationship between community security, recognition of grassroots administrators and the resources needed to make government services accessible.
The residents’ message was twofold: they welcomed the government’s decision to remunerate village elders and highlighted the reported security achievement, while calling for a vehicle to strengthen administration in the newly established Thagicu Sub-County.
The request now places the question of transport support before the relevant government authorities, with residents hoping their appeal will translate into improved mobility and more effective service delivery across the area.
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