By Treezer Michelle Atieno
Community engagement events are vital platforms for residents to voice their concerns, share experiences, and collectively address challenges affecting their neighbourhoods. On March 16th, 2024, Siasa Place, in partnership with Msingi Trust, organized a gathering in Gachui, Nairobi County, where residents came together to discuss pressing issues impacting their community. Among the prominent concerns raised were insecurity, alcoholism, and limited employment opportunities, reflecting the complex socio-economic dynamics faced by residents daily.
During the community engagement, residents expressed deep-seated worries about the prevailing levels of insecurity in Gachui. Mary Wambui, a long-time resident, voiced her concerns, stating, “We live in constant fear due to rising cases of theft and violence in our neighbourhood. Our homes and businesses are no longer safe, and we urgently need effective measures to address this menace.”
Alcoholism emerged as another significant issue affecting the well-being of residents. John Kamau, a local in the area, lamented, “The prevalence of alcohol abuse has reached alarming levels, especially among the youth. It contributes to social disorder and hampers productivity and economic development within our community.”
Unemployment also featured prominently in the discussions, with many residents highlighting the lack of viable job opportunities as an obstacle to their livelihoods. The community engagement served as a platform for residents to brainstorm potential solutions to these pressing challenges. Suggestions ranged from strengthening community policing initiatives, combating insecurity, establishing vocational training programs, empowering the youth with marketable skills and creating small-scale enterprise opportunities.
In response to the concerns raised, Siasa Place and Msingi pledged to work collaboratively with relevant stakeholders, including government authorities and non-governmental organizations, to address the identified issues by fostering partnerships and leveraging resources. The community engagement in Gachui underscored the importance of citizen participation and grassroots mobilization in driving positive change at the local level. By providing a platform for residents to articulate their concerns and aspirations, Siasa Place facilitated meaningful dialogue, fostering a sense of collective ownership in addressing community challenges.
