A renewed wave of community mobilisation is taking shape in Gatei Village, Githobokoni Ward, after residents held a highly attended public baraza that resulted in firm resolutions on alcohol control, administrative boundaries, and long-standing infrastructure concerns.
The meeting, described as a decisive turning point for local development, brought together a wide cross-section of residents including youths, business operators, parents, elders, and local administrators. Security representation was also present, with local chiefs and the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) attending on behalf of the Sub-County Police Commander.
Community members said the engagement marked a fresh commitment to addressing issues affecting daily life, with participants agreeing that stronger civic responsibility and leadership accountability were needed to improve the area’s development trajectory.
One of the key resolutions reached during the baraza was a total ban on the sale of alcohol within Gatei Village and its surrounding areas. Residents unanimously agreed that the directive would be enforced locally, with violators facing community sanctions aimed at curbing rising concerns over alcohol abuse and its social impact.
The second major resolution focused on administrative boundaries. Residents reviewed the constituency and location mapping and concluded that Gatei Shopping Centre falls within Gatundu North Constituency. They noted that the area is currently administratively placed under Githuya Location in Gatundu South, a situation they now want reviewed.
As a result, the community resolved to formally petition relevant authorities for the creation of a separate sub-location to align administrative services with what they described as the correct constituency alignment. Residents argued that proper recognition would improve access to government services and strengthen local governance structures.
The third key issue raised during the meeting was infrastructure development, particularly the poor state of local roads. Residents expressed frustration over what they termed as prolonged neglect of road maintenance, saying the condition of transport networks continues to hinder economic activity and daily movement.
Community members called on both county and national leadership to take urgent responsibility for development gaps in the area. They cited the county administration led by Governor Kimani Wamatangi and area Member of Parliament Elijah Njoroge Kururia, urging them to prioritise road rehabilitation and broader service delivery.
Residents further emphasized that their electoral contribution gives them a strong voice in demanding accountability, insisting that development must reflect the needs of those who voted for leadership at both levels of government.
The baraza ended with a commitment from community leaders to continue engaging authorities until the resolutions are addressed, signaling what residents described as a new era of civic assertiveness in Gatei Village.
