Several Huduma Centers at risk of closure over rent arrears

The Postal Corporation of Kenya, which hosts almost half of the Huduma Centers, has expressed concerns that the Ministry of Public Service has been slow in paying the Centers’ rent.

“Posta is demanding Sh1.7 billion in rent arrears that have accumulated for hosting the Huduma Centers," Public Service Principal Secretary Mary Kimonye told the Parliamentary Committee on Administration and National Security.

“Some of the Huduma Centers are now being evicted and government data risks being compromised.”

According to  the PS, Posta has begun renting out retail kiosks around the Huduma Centers which she says is risky to government data.

​​“PCK is licensing kiosks in their premises around the Huduma Centers hence posing a huge threat of compromising crucial government data.” Kimonye said.

The PS now wants Parliament to allocate more funds to the Public Service ministry in the coming budget to enable them to acquire the Posta premises or other government-owned facilities altogether.

Launched in 2013, Huduma Centers act as one-stop offices where Kenyans can get services from different state agencies among them the National Social Security Fund, National Hospital Insurance Fund, Kenya Revenue Authority, and the National Transport Safety Authority.

Some of the Huduma outlets currently housed by Posta include the Nairobi (GPO), Mombasa, Nakuru, Kakamega, Machakos, Meru, Bungoma and Marsabit branches.