The Kenya Alliance of Resident Associations (KARA) on Sunday, June 8, launched the Usalama Mitaani Programme, a nationwide initiative that seeks to combat insecurity by empowering communities to take charge of their own safety.
The programme was unveiled during the KARA Usalama Mitaani Forum held in Nairobi and attended by resident associations, youth leaders, private security firms, and government representatives.
Speaking at the event, Sixtus Odumbe, KARA’s Program Manager, said the initiative aims to transform how security is perceived and managed at the grassroots level.
"The purpose of the Usalama Mtaani launch is to make safety and security an active responsibility between you and me. This program is about empowerment, strengthening partnerships, and implementing effective security structures at the community level," he said.
According to Odumbe, the programme is anchored on the belief that security must begin within neighborhoods, including urban estates, informal settlements, and peri-urban areas.
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"We must develop and maintain strong collaboration with local security actors to ensure safety for all. Different communities need different security solutions. There is no one-size-fits-all model. Community safety starts with you and I. It requires full participation from everyone,” he added.
Odumbe further highlighted the challenges faced by overstretched police services, noting that Kenya currently has one police officer for every 688 citizens.
He also addressed the issue of drugs and substance abuse within communities, however, noting that KARA will be taking action.
“We must bridge this gap through empowered communities. 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. KARA will conduct research, including surveys, to better understand drug and substance abuse in our neighborhoods,” he noted.
The programme integrates strategic partnerships with law enforcement, the private security industry, and anti-narcotics bodies such as NACADA.
It also introduces digital tools like the Hatua App to enhance intelligence-sharing and incident reporting.
A youth advocate from Mathare, who spoke during the forum, called for deeper engagement with the underlying causes of crime, especially among young people.
"Let’s talk about the root causes instead of simply saying we’re targeting the youth. The truth is, young people are turning to crime because of unemployment, and jobs are given to those who know someone. If we truly mean business, village elders must be vetted afresh," they said.
A key priority of the Usalama Mitaani programme is combating the growing crisis of drug and alcohol abuse among Kenyan youth, particularly in urban slums and peri-urban centers.
The initiative integrates a multi-pronged response that includes: Preventive Education via faith institutions and peer-led outreach, community-based rehab referrals, and collaborative enforcement between residents, private firms, and anti-narcotics agencies like NACADA.
Through digital platforms like the Hatua App, structured forums, and cross-sector training, residents will report incidents, share intelligence, and co-create tailored solutions in partnership with law enforcement, NGAOs, and private security firms.
