by Sauti Yetu | Jun 16, 2017 | Stories
The debate aimed at providing a platform for both candidates and residents of Nakuru East Ward a leveled filed to engage each other on key developmental priority issues and allow the electorate to assess the suitability of each of the candidates to represent them and make informed choices.
Sauti Yetu worked closely with community-based groups to organize the political debate in the ward. The forum brought together residents of Nakuru East ward, community leaders, community groups, Religious leaders, individuals and perspective candidates for the member of County Assembly.
A total of 3 Candidates were present for the political debate, including– Hon Humphrey Mwaniki ‘Sonko” (Incumbent, Jubilee party), Mr. Francis Mutonyi Mwangi (Mazingira Green Party), and Francis Mwangi Wanjau (Independent).
Key developmental issues that took the center stage in the Nakuru East Ward MCA candidates included:
(1) Good Governance – Mca and Ward administrator are rarely present to address the community needs
(2) Education – skewed allocation of Bursary funds with many poor families rarely being able to access the fund
(3) Health – Poor state of Bondeni health Centre: (lack of a Laboratory and stalled Ambulance); lack of sufficient equipment of the Maternity wing of Bondeni Health Facility
(4) Lack of water in free Area and Murogi Area.
(5) Environment – poor sewer system and drainage in ward
(6) Security – high insecurity incidences; Mugging around free area.
A major request by the residents was the need to establish a ward development committee that will support in identification of key community priorities, organize and provide spaces for participation in governance by the residents. To cement the agreement between the candidates and the resident, the Nakuru East Ward Accord was signed strictly requires the elected candidate to establish mechanisms for the residents participation in decision making process of the ward.
by Sauti Yetu | Jun 15, 2017 | Stories
On 15th June 2017 Sauti Yetu organized a political debate for member of County assembly in Menengai ward Nakuru East Constituency at Forojo Nursery School Hall Kiratina. The debate brought together residents of Menengai ward, community leaders and the Aspirants who were vying for the Mca post. The debate aimed at a providing a platform for the members of the community to vet various candidates for the MCA seat in Menengai ward. A total of 3 Aspirants were present for the debate .they were Mr. John kiritu Wairimu, (Independent), Mr Muraya Kariuki Lawrence (Independent), and Mr. Ben Gathogo (Independent).
The key priority issues of concern from the residents of Menengai ward included:
- Good Governance – lack of accountability from elected leaders.
- Trade – Keratina market under contraction has stalled for several years despite funds being allocated in previous financial years.
- Education – No public ECDE Polytechnic in the ward and larger Sub- county.
- Health – Lack of Health facility in the ward.
- Infrastructure – Lack of sewer system and poor drainage in the entire ward yet fund were provided.
- Security – Lighting not working in some parts of the ward and take too long to be repaired thus increased crime.
Response from aspirants
- Market – Institute a ward development committee to intervene on the finalization of the market, Construct a modern market at keratin, Initiate light industries in the Market.
- Bursary – Use poverty index to distribute bursary, form a bursary committee at every village, and widen scope of resource for bursary.
- Water and Sanitation – Initiate an association for water regulation, legislate to have irate water project serving the residents of Menengai.
- Drug and Alcohol abuse – crate job opportunities for the youth through entrepreneurship and trade.
The Menengai ward debate saw signing of the Menengai ward accord that among other conditions calls upon the elected MCA, to convene a joint community forum within 30 days after swearing in to chart out key priorities for the ward.
by Sauti Yetu | May 30, 2017 | Stories
Sauti Yetu a program of Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi held a joint community forum in Mathare North ward on 30th of May 2017 at the Mathare North social hall. The ward is among the five wards of Ruaraka Sub-County, Nairobi County. The duty bearers who were invited to this forum were; Assistant County Commissioner Roysambu Division, Officer commanding station Ruaraka police station, Ruaraka sub-county administrator, Officer commanding station Muthaiga police station, Officer in-charge Roysambu administration police camp, Snr. chief Mathare North location, ward administrator Mathare North ward. Of the invited duty bearers, the snr. Chief for Mathare North location Mr. Paul A Chandoek representing his office and that of the assistant county commissioner was in attendance, the officer commanding station for Muthaiga police station was represented by Madam Makeba Jume.
The forum was attended by 86 participants. Objectives of the forum were; to increase the level of engagement between the leaders and the community. To do issue (needs) assessment, to increase the knowledge of the community on the roles of different duty bearers and the functions of the two levels of governance and to discuss security situation within the ward.
One of the community members gave an overview of security within the ward. The community member thanked the community for their untiring effort to maintain security within the ward as cases of insecurity had reduced compared to three years ago. However much was needed from the security agencies.
He continued by saying that one of the contributing factors to insecurity was poverty and misconception of the Nyumba kumi initiative, Idleness of the youth, misuse of community policing, provincial administration not involving the youth in any activities and communication breakdown between the community and the security agencies different political affiliations.
The community asked themselves hard questions that ended up not having answers. These questions were; why do they fight in the process of employing the leaders during elections? Why is it that always they as the youth were ready to be used by politicians to cause chaos? Why was there inequality in public offices when serving the youth compared to the elderly?
The community was quick to point out that to maintain security in any given area, two agents must be involved, the family and the government agencies. However the family plays a vital role in ensuring that security is maintained right from the homes by teaching their children good morals.
The community pointed out that there were people collecting Kenya shillings one hundred (100) monthly from each household and two (200) hundred from business community to offer security but in reality they are not offering it. This group calls itself “Nyuki”. Security is also volatile at the bridge connecting Mathare North and Huruma. From the hard questions which the community asked themselves, I would conclude that the community knows their responsibility but do contrary due to ignorance.
The community lamented that reports to the police stations are not treated with the confidentiality they deserve, something that forces the community not to report any incidence of crime. Some of the youth indulging in crime in the ward come from as far as Mwolem in Dandora which is outside this ward.
The community lamented further that they have never been involved in any public participation forums due to poor communication strategy from the ward office.
These community members identified various issues (needs) which they felt are affecting the ward and which need immediate intervention from leaders. Some of these issues are;
- Health; the ward is home to Mathare sub-district hospital which offers maternity services, however the community felt that the facility should be equipped with more doctors of different expertise and more medicine.
- Employment; many community members are unemployed, a situation that has forced many youth to involve themselves in unlawful activities like mugging, house breaking and many more.
- Security; participants felt that there was need of the security agencies to enhance security within the ward especially along the bridge connecting Mathare North and Huruma.
- Education; the community complained that they contacted the area member of parliament on the need of considering some youth who either did not go to high school or colleges/ university by offering them bursaries to join village polytechnics to train technical work but he has never done anything. The community suggested that since putting up village polytechnic needs a lot of money, the county government should consider refurbishing the social hall and start offering some courses there like mechanics, plumbing, carpentry and many other courses.
- Infrastructure; the community complained of a shoddy job done during the construction of the road connecting the ward and outering road through the chief’s camp.
Responding to the concerns raised by the participants, the senior chief Mr. Paul Chandoek the chief retaliated that some youth groups have members from as far as Mowlem and their work is to collect money from the community without any work done. They are usually seated in one place with miraa. He said that the community policing in the area was a consensus by the landlords after discussing with his office. Due to youth idleness crime has started to rise again. The chief regretted that during recruitment to the forces, no youth from Mathare attempted to get in. Mathare has been labeled a hot spot due to some few individuals who have decided to cause chaos in the ward but the government will deal with them decisively. The chief regretted that though he has helped many youth groups to register as either youth groups or community based organizations, they have never collected their certificates from his office and those with certificates have not been making use of them. He continued by advising the community that they should differentiate between the police and the chief since their functions are different.
In her part the inspector of police informed the community that security is the responsibility of everybody right from the leaders politicians included and community members. Solutions for security issues in Mathare ward lies purely with the Mathare community hence the community should not expect solutions from outside. The officer continued to say that nyumba kumi is active since the Muthaiga police station receives information from them. She said that the police know those who have guns in the ward.
The officer advised the community not to shy away from by giving vital information to the police. They should not fear for they (police) have been trained to keep any information confidential. But should they have any worry they should visit officers of higher ranks at Nyayo house or the office of the ombudsman.
Both the chief and the police officer applauded Sauti Yetu for organizing such a forum and requested the program to organize more forums in the ward.
This forum was a good opportunity for the residents of Mathare ward to learn more on the roles of different elective positions. It also gave the residents an opportunity to identify issues affecting them.
From my observation more civic education and accountability forums are supposed to be planned in this ward since many community members are not aware of the existence of some offices and even the roles of the elected leaders.
by Sauti Yetu | May 29, 2017 | Stories
Sauti Yetu organized a political debate in Huruma ward, Mathare sub-county with candidates of the Members of the National Assembly. The Forum took place at Daniel Comboni Catholic Church.
This Forum brought together residents of Mathare constituency and 6 candidates namely; Gacheke Gachihi, Joseph M Kanguchu, Miriam Muthoni Macharia, John Wesonga Mangeni and Antony Kimani Mburu.
The Sauti Yetu Moderators of the day Felix Odhiambo and Sarafina Mwangi, welcomed everyone. Felix went ahead and gave the objective of the Forum and laid down the rules of engagement. Then he gave each candidate 3 minutes to introduced him/her self and give a brief of their manifesto.
Gacheke Gachihi; “That is my name and I give thanks to all the organizers. Social justice has been part of many initiatives that speak to the rights of the public. Unga revolution, Implement article 43 of Constitution of Kenya and I am a servant not a mheshimiwa.”
Miriam Muthoni Macharia; “I was Born and bred in Mathare. Vote for me as a mother is voting for a mother to all without discrimination. Poverty will be eradicated if we obey God and go back to the ways of God. Poverty does not mean one should not enjoy rights. Poverty leads to crime.”
John Wesonga Mangeni; “I am a young 29 years old and 3rd election as a voter. I struggled through education and a time has come and it will no longer be that youth are the problem rather youth will be the solution. I will fight for rights of the people of mathare.”
Joseph M Kaguchu; “I have held leadership positions in various capacities within Mathare. I was born and bred in Kiamaiko. What is the relationship with Mathare residents: I have been traumatized and need to change the ills I have undergone.
Antony Kimani Mburu went to St. Brigids Pumwani. Was brought up, married and wife has given birth in Mathare. I have various Community Based Organizations in Mathare KC. We must join hands to change and transform Mathare. Mathare has been left to foreigners 10 of them are not related to mathare and they just come during elections. Promote safeguard and protect Mathare.”
Sarafina the moderator, presented Issues and challenges across Mathare that Sauti yetu and University Mtaani collected during different forums. Feedback from all Wards: Corruption, Infrastructure- Access roads are nonexistent. Accountability of Community Development Fund (CDF) Kitty. Residents are not informed of the status of the kitty and are not privy to what happens with CDF, Education – Mabatini Ward has no public primary School and are very few in other areas of Mathare. The criteria used to give out bursaries is not known by the residents. They are just informed that they were given. Public Participation by talk to the residents. Youth unemployment, Insecurity around the Constituency.
Anthony; I will tackle Youth unemployment through; youth are a police project as the police extort them for money. I will create income generating projects such as transport. I will do allocation of CDF.
John; I have a youth unemployment manifesto. Will put up an employment bureau with data on all youth. Skill based, vocational training, Community Based Organizations, have companies by youth. I authored Youth Unemployment in Kenya.
Joseph: I will combine youth and women empowerment. I have done research and there is a lot of prostitution, drugs all over Mathare.
The residents asked the following questions:
1.) What plans the aspirants have on speaking for Mathare residents in Parliament?
2.) Carwash and garbage collection?(
3.) What will do in 90 days?
4.) What they will do about the environment including garbage and the river?
Gacheke: “proper plans on garbage will create employment for a lot of youth. We need to unite youth and work on garbage collection, generating fuel. Ensure policy in place for garbage collection. Does CDF have allocation for it? Use primary schools in the night for adult education.”
Miriam; “we can have more than just car washes and garbage collectors. We should aspire to be more. Will nurture talent to ensure equal opportunities for all. I will ensure cleanliness and ask for jobs from City Hall. Will ensure projects for girls and proper roads are constructed. I will ensure there is a youth stadium.”
Joseph; “there has never been a bill from a Mathare MP. I will ensure I enact a bill that will help the residents. 90 days constitute of a CDF Committee. Restriction and construction of a bridge, 24hour business environment.”
John; “there is CDF money that will work in the community. I will have 90 days public participation forums. A youth employment bureau. I will work with women’s groups. 5 youth will start online jobs. Bodaboda will have proper roads. Cleaning rivers will be done. All landlords will have a plan for solid waste management.”
Anthony; “I will implement CDF according to the constitution, will ensure cleaning of the environment, unblocking of sewerage and rivers. Disability bill, informal settlement and roads bills. Bursaries are for the poor who deserve and I will send youth to university. Ensure that CDF committee works. 120m every year.”
John: “The policy on abursary application will be to apply for it directly to the office. Mathare bursary fund to increase the allocated bursary. Register women’s groups to be companies hence better chances for business. There is a big gap in leadership.”
Joseph: “2 offices for CDF and MP will 50 employees. Meetings will be held every Thursday with the residents.
Miriam: Bursary knows how many families are really needy. How may have passed and are deserving. Construction of sewer lines. Supply of water. Polytechnics for all youth to free. Management of CDF consults on committee.
Gacheke: ward bursary committee. Cooperatives that will engage in business. To give the better option.
Questions from the audience; what will you do to the unfinished bridge that links Juja road Mabatini and Hospital ward, what will you do ensure cohesion, what is the plan to deal with the slum. We do not have a market in Mathare? Do you have a plan for Persons with Disabilities? What are your plans for Security?
Gacheke;” work with OCS to hold forums on security.”
Miriam: “have active sports to ensure youth are engaged. Upgrade Huruma playground and have businesses around creating employment. Will ensure there is a market. Give an award for the best police officer.”
Joseph; “use of live bullets is not a solution. I will sit down with security agencies because shooting to kill not a good thing. I will bring boxing back to Mathare by returning the club back.”
John: “There is money given by Safaricom to upgrade Huruma grounds. I will ensure that money is accounted for. Getting rid of tribalism will be my priority. Market places have been grabbed in each ward and will ensure they are restored. I will create a community, good cops and good systems.”
Each Candidate was given the Accord to sign in front of everyone as an agreement between them and the people of Mathare that they do as promised in their Manifesto. They then held their hands together and sand the National Anthem as a sign of peace during and after election.
by Sauti Yetu | May 26, 2017 | Stories
Laini Saba is one of the five wards in Kibra sub-county. Sauti Yetu, a program of Inuka kenya Ni Sisi, organized a toolkit training for representatives of youth groups from five wards of the Sub-county. One of the issues that emerged in this training is deterioration of security in Laini Saba ward compelling participants to request Sauti Yetu to organize a thematic forum to discuss the issue. This was planned and took place on 26th May 2017. The objectives of this forum were; to increase the level of engagement between the leaders and the community, to do issue (needs) assessment and to increase the knowledge of the community on the roles of different duty bearers and the functions of the two levels of governance.
The community mobilized duty bearers responsible for security issues. Assistant County Commissioner Mr.Kennedy Changandu, Administration Police commandant Mr.Joseph Cheboi and Ass. Chief Mr.Simon attended this forum and responded to the concerns of the community.
The community complained that youths are getting harassed by Administration Police and that they use abusive language lacking respect to the community. An example of harassment was given by one youth who had intervened when his friend was arrested by the police without any cause but the police harassed the later and even threatened to shoot him to death.
Interestingly if a youth is sported wearing silver or gold necklace and being smart in this ward, it is a crime warranting them to be killed by the police. This has seen many innocent youths being killed by the same officers who should be the ones protecting them.
Another issue that the community complained of is that the officers do the patrols while drunk. The community requested the assistant county commissioner to talk to the officers so that they can execute their duties while sober and handle the community with dignity and decorum.
Community members used this forum to recognize the good work that the National Youth Service had done in the community of absorbing many youth some of them who used to engage in crime. This is because crime rate had reduced at the time but since the project stalled, crime had risen. The community requested the government through the duty bearers present to reinstate the program as youth were engaging in crime for being idle.
Responding to the concerns raised by the participants, the assistant county commissioner Mr. Kennedy said that there is division among the community members in the wards and there is need for co-existence. He said he is aware that since the NYS project stopped, the crime rate had risen and that is why youths were indulging in crime. He cautioned the community to exercise their democratic right of elections by exercising tolerance during this electioneering period. Youths were advised to register their groups as companies so that they can get funds as groups from government funds such as Youth Enterprise Fund, to enable them start projects and create job opportunities.
He urged the community to use their diversity as a strength and not as a weakness. Mr. Kennedy requested Sauti Yetu to plan another forum which will bring all the stakeholders so that they can come up with a way forward to the issue and the complaints of the community.
The Administration Police’s commandant cautioned the community not to provoke the police and went further to defend the police that they never do patrol while drunk.
One of the community youth members Mr. Gabriel who has started an organization in Kibra by the name ‘Drop a Gun’ which helps youths to return guns to the police, urged the youths to stop using guns and reform.
To my opinion this forum was a good opportunity for the community and duty bearers to interact and share.
