For the first time in over 60 years, residents of Rhamu in Mandera North can now access vital civil registration services right at their doorstep.

On Thursday, the government officially opened a new Civil Registration Office in Rhamu, a long-awaited milestone for the community.

For decades they had been forced to travel to Mandera town just to register births and deaths.

The move was met with celebration and relief from local residents in the town.

Many who spoke to Radio Generation described it as a “historic moment” for a settlement that has long been underserved by basic government services.

“We are finally being seen. It's like we are born fresh,” said Sahal Mohamed, an elder who witnessed the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“For too long, we were left out. Now our children can get birth certificates without struggle.”

The office was inaugurated by Mandera North MP Major (Rtd) Abdullahi Bashir, who praised the Department of Civil Registration for decentralizing crucial services.

It is situated around 76 km west of Mandera town by road and is also positioned near the Dawa River, marking the international boundary with Ethiopia

“This is an important day,” said Mr. Bashir.

“Bringing services like this closer to our people is how we bridge the gap between marginalized Kenya and the rest of the country.”

Francis Waweru, the newly appointed head of the Rhamu office transferred from Mandera town urged parents to take advantage of the new services and ensure that all children are registered at birth.

“You no longer need to go far. These services are now here with you,” he told residents during the launch.

The legislator defended the impact of the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) in areas that were previously underfunded by the government.

While inspecting the new administration block at Shantoley Primary School, Mr. Bashir said the fund has been a “life-changer in rural Kenya.”

He also visited ongoing CDF-funded projects, including the construction of four new classrooms at Salaam Integrated School and the commissioning of the Girisa Primary School administration block.

There is a marked improvement in the delivery of government services to historically marginalized regions, especially in Northeastern counties. Here settlements like Rhamu have waited for generations to access basic infrastructure and essential public services.

“This is just the beginning,” said Bashir. “We are investing in essential offices and schools to lay a strong foundation for equality and opportunity for all.”