Leaders from
Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs),
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and other non-state actors converged at
Mukuru kwa Rueben and Pipeline in Embakasi South for a crucial community forum
aimed at addressing pressing issues facing residents of Embakasi South.
The State of the City
engagement, organized by grassroots organizations, including Jubilant Stewards of
Africa (JSA) and other local advocacy groups, sought to amplify concerns over
healthcare issues, recurring fire outbreaks, persistent water shortages, and
unfulfilled government promises.
The physical gathering
provided a platform for leaders and residents to engage in dialogue and push
for urgent government intervention.
Speaking at the event,
Jared Oundo, Executive Director of Jubilant Stewards of Africa (JSA), which is a
NGO dedicated to the improvement of living standards, social ethics, dignity
and empowerment of communities, and an aspiring MP for Embakasi South in 2027,
emphasized the need for government accountability and immediate action.
“The people of Embakasi
South have endured enough. They face difficulties in accessing medical
services. Fires have left families homeless, and water shortages continue to
cripple livelihoods. The government must listen to the people before the situation
worsens,” Oundo stated.
The Kenya Medical
Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) and the Union of Kenya
Civil Servants (UKCS) recently issued a two-week ultimatum to the government,
threatening nationwide protests if reforms were not implemented.
“More than five million Kenyans are at risk of
missing critical medical services due to SHA issues,” UKCS Secretary General
Tom Odege warned.
“Public servants are
paying double for a system that doesn’t work, while government leaders
prioritize personal interests.”
Residents also raised concerns over frequent fire outbreaks, the most recent one occurring in the Kariobangi area near
Gatoto, which destroyed homes and businesses.
Community leaders at the
forum called for improved emergency response services, better housing
infrastructure, and proactive disaster prevention strategies.
The forum also called on
both county and national governments to prioritize roads, drainage systems, and
sanitation projects.
With the 2027 general
elections on the horizon, the forum also urged politicians and the community to
commit to peaceful political transitions and avoid divisive rhetoric that could
fuel tensions.
The leaders vowed to
continue mobilizing residents and stakeholders to push for solutions, warning
that if the government does not act, they will escalate their efforts.
“This is just the
beginning. We are demanding action, not empty promises. If our voices are
ignored, we will persist in advocating for solutions through every available
channel until meaningful change happens,” Oundo asserted.
The participating
organizations plan to petition government agencies, engage policymakers, and
sustain media pressure to ensure their grievances are addressed.
