Nakuru City Management Pursues Community Collaboration with Neighborhood Engagement Initiative

NAKURU – The Nakuru City Management visited Barut Ward on Tuesday, part of the outskirts of the city, to implement the Neighborhood Engagement Initiative. This program is aimed at gathering residents’ views and addressing their concerns through direct consultation.

According to Kenya News Agency, the Nakuru City Manager, the initiative is designed to open lines of communication and foster collaborative management of the city. During the visit, the management conducted a one-on-one consultative forum with residents’ representatives, focusing on creating a constructive dialogue for exchanging ideas and discussing solutions to communal issues.

Thabanja shared that Governor Susan Kihika is committed to building strong community relationships and encouraging a sense of ownership and pride among the residents of Nakuru County. In line with this commitment, he urged residents to form a community-level project committee to oversee local plans and developments.

The city manager underscored the significance of neighborhood engagement, stating that such initiatives serve as a vital platform for community members to identify and tackle local issues, including crime, health matters, and environmental challenges like climate change.

Furthermore, Thabanja pointed out that these engagements allow residents to influence the county’s decision-making process, which is crucial for their day-to-day life, and lead to improved development outcomes. He highlighted that organized community efforts are also essential for disaster preparedness, enabling a more coordinated and rapid response in emergencies.

The meeting with Barut Ward residents was acknowledged as a positive step towards integrating community feedback into municipal policies and projects, with the aim of ensuring that local needs and goals are met.

In conclusion, Thabanja stated that active community involvement in neighborhood programs not only addresses immediate issues but also contributes to the long-term well-being of residents by reducing stress, enhancing a sense of purpose, and improving mental health.