Kenya Alliance of Resident Associations (KARA) has launched the Usalama Mitaani Program, an initiative to redefine public safety through community-led action.
The event, themed “Building Safer Communities, Strengthening Security,” marked a shift from reactive policing to proactive, grassroots-driven security solutions, with a sharp focus on combating drug abuse and youth insecurity.
“It is our responsibility to safeguard the security we have so that it can benefit all Kenyan citizens,” said Henry Ochieng, KARA’s CEO, in his opening address. “We want a community-led security approach, where the community and government come together for the fulfilment of the same goal.”
The program mobilises resident associations (RAs) across Kenya, from Mombasa to Kisumu, to collaborate with private security firms, the National Police Service, and government agencies.
How Usalama Mitaani Works
Using digital tools like the Hatua App and 911 Kenya, residents will report incidents, share intelligence, and co-create tailored safety solutions.
This will address the growing crisis of drug and alcohol abuse among youth, particularly in urban slums.
Sixtus Odumbe, KARA’s program manager, emphasised the initiative’s scope. “The Usalama Mitaani Programme is a 24-hour model built to respond, engage, and protect every day,” he said. “We’re seeing a rise in gun violence. Drug and substance abuse is one of the biggest security threats; that’s why KARA is stepping up.”
The event featured presentations from resident associations, showcasing local successes and challenges.
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Samba Nixon Otieno, a representative of the Kisumu RA, highlighted their transformation.
“We’ve transformed Kisumu from a politically polarised city into one of the most secure in Kenya. That’s why we won the Usalama Award recognised by KARA,” he said.
“Yet, he urged for accreditation from City Hall to boost their efforts, noting, “Our security associations in Kisumu operate without recognition due to a lack of accreditation. We ask that this be urgently addressed.”
Solve Community Challenges
Mombasa’s Deputy Mwanja painted a grim picture of local challenges.
“Mombasa’s security situation is dire. I plead for the Usalama Mitaani program to begin with us,” he said, while praising KARA’s partnerships that address security through employment programs.
“Let security begin at home; parents must lead this movement as it starts,” he added.
Representatives from Nakuru shared a success story; “After a recent robbery in Nakuru, community action led to arrests and peace has held since.”
They also highlighted gaps, noting, “Our communities respond to home alarms faster than police, because police often lack the capacity to react in time.” They called for more government involvement and local forums to address grassroots issues.
Rev. Richard Kimuru described their proactive measures, including resident-manned security gates and a “Drugless Community” department to mentor youth.
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“KARA’s intervention helped residents speak up and report critical issues like drug abuse and insecurity,” he said. However, he raised concerns about persistent gang activity, urging, “We urgently ask the government to deploy regular patrols and establish a police base in the area.”
Usalama Mitaani Program Launch
However, Betty from Westlands stressed the need for youth-focused initiatives. “KARA and the government should look into youth security as a priority,” she said. “There’s a need for multisectoral initiatives to address youth-related insecurity, especially in Nairobi County.”
A thematic panel discussion, moderated by Caleb Wanga, explored community-led security, technology, and drug prevention, featuring private sector, law enforcement, youth, and NACADA representatives.
Odumbe explained the program’s tailored approach, “Different communities need different security solutions. There is no one-size-fits-all model.”
The event culminated in a pledge-signing ceremony, where stakeholders committed to the Usalama Mitaani Commitment Charter under the theme “Our Security, Our Responsibility.”
With Kenya facing a police-to-citizen ratio of 1:688, far below the U.N.’s recommended 1:450, the program aims to bridge this gap through empowered communities.
KARA plans to conduct research, including surveys, to better understand drug abuse and strengthen early intervention strategies.
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