BY SHABAN OMAR
Kwale County Assembly Speaker Seth Kamanza has announced that President William Ruto is set to launch the new multimillion-shilling Kwale County Assembly building officially.
The president is expected to arrive early to inaugurate several key projects before leading the Mashujaa Day celebrations on October 20 at Kwale Stadium in Kinarini, Matuga sub-county.
“The president will first open the county assembly building in October, followed by the national event the next day,” said Kamanza.
The County Assembly Speaker described the facility’s opening as a milestone achievement and an honour to have the President officiate its inauguration in the region.
He encouraged locals to join the leaders in witnessing the historic moment as the new building is officially unveiled.
The Kwale County Assembly building was partially completed last year and immediately occupied to help streamline services.
The impressive two-story structure boasts a stunning architectural design, making it a captivating sight.
Strategically located at the entrance of Kwale town, the building sits adjacent to the new Kwale Law Courts, which are still under construction, further enhancing the prominence of the area.
The construction of the Kwale County Assembly building took nearly eight years to complete due to budget constraints.
However, its strategic location offers a picturesque view of the lush green terrain and layered clouds, especially at sunrise.
The facility houses over 100 offices, providing workspace for each Member of the County Assembly (MCA) and assembly staff.
The offices are equipped with air conditioning, providing a comfortable environment for both staff and locals seeking services, shielding them from the intense coastal heat.
Additionally, the facility has improved accountability and security, with biometric fingerprint access, controlled entry doors, scanning machine and CCTV cameras installed throughout the building.
At its core lies the beautifully designed county chambers, which serve as the heart of the building.
The chambers, crafted with meticulous attention to detail, boast an elegant and high-class design, making them both visually stunning and deeply pleasing to the senses.
The facility also features a spacious lounge, ample parking, dedicated prayer halls, and lactation rooms.
The lactation rooms provide a comfortable space for breastfeeding staff and visitors to care for their infants while within the building, ensuring a family-friendly and accommodating environment.
In a previous interview, County Assembly Clerk Fatuma Hassan Mwalupa noted that the previous facility was too small, hindering effective service delivery.
“Staff had to squeeze into cramped spaces, often sharing offices with MCAs, while some were forced to work standing,” she explained.
Mwalupa expressed relief, stating that the new facility has tremendously boosted staff morale and enhanced privacy.
Mwalupa said that the biometric system has effectively addressed issues of absenteeism and laziness, as all staff are required to clock in and out using their fingerprints.
“Staff must sign in upon arrival and sign out when leaving. This makes it easy to track latecomers and identify absentees,” she explained.
She further noted that the structure has also centralized various services, bringing them together under one roof for greater efficiency.
Mwalupa called on both the public and staff to take proper care of the new facility, emphasizing the significant investment made in its construction.
“A considerable amount of money has been spent on this building, so it’s important that everyone helps to maintain it,” she said.