Nairobi: 18th October 2024
The Nairobi City County Policy on Community Development is a landmark initiative, marking Nairobi’s first formal policy framework for community development after the release of the National Draft Policy on Community Development.
This policy is aligned with Kenya’s devolution agenda, which empowers county governments to lead in addressing local development issues, tailoring their efforts to specific regional needs. For Nairobi, a city characterized by rapid urbanization, diversity, and stark socio-economic disparities, this policy is particularly significant.
Deputy Director Social Services Robert Muema has said The Policy is designed to address the unique challenges of urban development while drawing on the guiding principles of the National Draft Policy, such as inclusivity, sustainability, and participatory governance which envisioned under this policy and will play a crucial role in shaping Nairobi’s community-driven development to improve livelihoods at local levels.
Nairobi City County is the first county government to develop a policy on Community Development aside from the National draft policy.
Assistant Director Community Development Christine Ongondo said “this is a strategic initiative that builds on the foundation laid by the National Draft Policy. It represents the county’s first comprehensive effort to involve communities actively in development planning and execution. The policy aims to spur sustainable development at grassroots level through formulation of structures and frameworks that will institutes impactful community development practices and programs, enhanced by collaboration, partnership and capacity building.”
Mr. Muema said “By focusing on inclusivity, capacity building, transparency, and collaboration, Nairobi is setting the stage for more equitable and sustainable urban development. These initiatives provide a structured forum for citizen participation, ensuring that Nairobi’s development reflects the aspirations of its diverse residents, thereby fostering a more inclusive and prosperous future for the city”
The workshop that was sponsored by KARA was attended by representatives from KARA Deputy Directors Fredrick Ogutu and Rosemary Kibathi, County legal team, and representatives from the County Assembly.
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