Written by Elizabeth W. Benson
Nakuru City today hosted an Urban Citizens Engagement Forum at the Kenya National Library Services, organized under the Just and Sustainable Urbanization Platform (JSUP) in partnership with Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES). The forum brought together grassroots organizations, residents, and city leaders to deliberate on sustainable water management, solid waste solutions, and inclusive urban development.
City Manager Mr. Gitau Thabanja noted that such forums are crucial in guiding how the city allocates resources and plans for economic, social, and public projects. He emphasized that the outcomes of these discussions will directly shape Nakuru’s approach to waste management, water accessibility, and long-term planning.
From the grassroots, Mr. Jackson Raini, Director of the Flamingo Lakes Conservation Network, highlighted the value of knowledge and organization in citizen engagement, while also sharing plans for the Kenya Informal Settlement Water Project set to benefit residents in Kaptembwa and Rhonda.
Similarly, Mr. Simon Munyange of the Pangani Self-Help Group outlined how community-led waste initiatives, supported by the Department of Environment and City Management, are improving waste collection while creating job opportunities through recycling and reuse.
Adding a broader perspective, Mr. George Wesonga from the Just City Working Group stressed the importance of integrating grassroots-driven solutions into Nakuru’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP), ensuring long-term sustainability and lessons for future interventions.
The forum underscored the power of citizen participation and partnerships in shaping practical urban solutions. As City Manager Thabanja reaffirmed, these discussions align with Governor Susan Kihika’s commitment to open governance and her pledge to deliver a cleaner, greener, and better-serviced Nakuru. Through collaborative platforms like this, Nakuru City is ensuring that citizen voices are at the heart of development, fulfilling the Governor’s promise of inclusive growth and improved quality of life for all.