The inaugural Karen Residents Baraza, a unique event in the Karen community, convened Karen residents at Hidden Gardens on February 7, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. The meeting aimed to address various concerns affecting the community and foster collaboration among residents, local authorities, and stakeholders.
Opening Remarks: The meeting commenced at 5:40 PM, with Mr. Mburu Ngugi, Honorary Secretary of KLDA, welcoming attendees and expressing gratitude for their participation. He introduced panelists and set ground rules for the session.
Purpose of the Baraza: Mr. Samora Sikalieh, Chairman of KLDA, emphasized the significance of the Baraza as a platform for residents to discuss pertinent issues affecting the community. He outlined the objectives, including identifying challenges, proposing solutions, assigning responsibilities, and establishing timelines for implementation. The Chairman stressed the importance of resident engagement in decision-making processes.
Discussions on Various Matters: The meeting addressed several key topics, including noise pollution, urban planning, the proposed commuter railway, and issues concerning Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC). Detailed discussions were held on each agenda item, with resolutions formulated to address the identified challenges.
Resolutions and Action Points: Numerous resolutions were made to tackle the highlighted issues effectively. These included organizing meetings with relevant stakeholders, addressing noise pollution concerns, enhancing public participation, and collaborating with governmental agencies for infrastructure development and environmental conservation.
Key Resolutions Offered During the Baraza:
- KLDA to conduct a water and sanitation survey and share findings with residents and relevant agencies.
- Organize a comprehensive meeting with various stakeholders to address issues discussed during the Baraza, including noise levels and approvals for establishments.
- Address noise pollution at the Karen Roundabout personally.
- Implement continuous monitoring and evaluation to curb noise pollution effectively.
- Residents are to provide lists of problematic establishments to KLDA for action.
- Coordinate with relevant authorities for both daytime and nighttime noise pollution complaints.
- Ensure KLDA’s participation in all public forums to represent the views of Karen residents.
- Enforce strict monitoring of institutions discharging sewage into storm drains by the county Environment Team.
- Ensure public participation by Karen residents in projects facilitated by Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC).
- Share information on roads needing rehabilitation, walkways, and streetlights with KLDA for follow-up with the MP.
- Encourage Karen residents to join KLDA for unified action.
- Collaborate with the County Department to maintain order within the Karen ward.
- Advocate for increased MCA involvement in fighting illegal developments and promoting proper public participation.
- Continue collaboration with Nairobi City County and KURA to prepare the pick-and-drop terminus for the Karen Roundabout’s rehabilitation.
- Ensure vendors and public service vehicles (PSVs) are relocated to prevent encroachment on road reserves, with oversight from the MP and MCA.
Closing Remarks: The Chairman expressed appreciation to attendees and panelists for their active participation and contributions. He encouraged residents to join KLDA and reiterated the commitment to safeguarding the Karen neighborhood. The meeting concluded at 9:30 p.m.
Next Steps: The next Baraza is scheduled for three months later to review the progress of the resolutions passed during the current session.
Conclusion: The Karen Residents Baraza served as a platform for residents to voice concerns, propose solutions, and collaborate on initiatives to enhance the well-being of the community. Through collective efforts and active engagement, residents aim to address challenges and foster positive change within the Karen neighborhood.
Stay tuned for updates and further engagement opportunities as we work together to build a stronger and more vibrant Karen community.
