Advancing an Enabling Environment for Community-Led Development in Nairobi

On 22 July 2026, the Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF) joined the Kenya Alliance of Resident Associations (KARA) in the official handover of the Nairobi City County Community Development Policy to the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Talent, Skills Development and Care, Hon. Brian Mulama. The handover marked a significant milestone in efforts to strengthen community participation, inclusive governance, and sustainable development across Nairobi County.

The policy development process was spearheaded by KARA, KCDF’s community partner, through a broad and inclusive stakeholder engagement process that brought together residents, community groups, civil society organisations, county officials, and other key actors. This approach ensured that the final draft reflected the priorities, aspirations, and lived experiences of Nairobi’s diverse communities.

Guided by the theme “Promoting Community Development for Socioeconomic and Livelihoods Empowerment in Nairobi City County,” the policy provides a framework for collaboration among the County Government, resident associations, civil society organisations, development partners, the private sector, and local communities. Once adopted, it will strengthen coordination of community development initiatives across Nairobi’s 17 sub-counties, improving efficiency, accountability, and impact.

KCDF supported this initiative through the Giving for Change programme, providing a KES 2.5 million grant to KARA to facilitate the finalisation of the policy and support Nairobi City County in establishing a stronger foundation for community-centred development.

Addressing Gaps in Community Development Coordination

KARA’s initial assessments revealed that community development initiatives across Nairobi County often operated without a clear policy framework. This resulted in fragmented interventions, duplication of efforts, inefficient use of resources, and limited coordination among stakeholders working with communities. Recognising the need for a unified approach, KARA worked closely with the County Government and community stakeholders to develop a policy that would provide clear direction and strengthen collaboration.

The process involved a series of structured activities, including engagement of policy experts, stakeholder consultations, public participation forums, technical review sessions, and validation meetings with county leadership.

The successful completion of the policy reflects the collective efforts of multiple stakeholders:

Communities: Self-help groups, women’s networks, resident associations, and community-based organisations actively participated in consultations, ensuring the policy addressed the real needs and priorities of Nairobi residents.

KARA: As the implementing partner, KARA mobilised its extensive networks, coordinated public participation processes, facilitated stakeholder engagements, and championed the policy development process from inception to completion.

Nairobi City County Government: County officials, technical committees, and the County Assembly played a critical role in reviewing, refining, and approving the policy, demonstrating ownership and commitment to its future implementation.

KCDF: Beyond providing financial support, KCDF played a strategic role in strengthening the policy development process and ensuring it aligned with broader principles of equitable and sustainable development.

KCDF’s support focused on two key areas:

1. Promoting Meaningful Inclusion: KCDF, through KARA, structured its support around a rights-based approach, encouraging processes that placed vulnerable and marginalised groups at the centre of policy discussions. This helped ensure that the voices of communities often excluded from decision-making were meaningfully represented in the final policy.
2. Strengthening Capacity for Sustainable Development: The partnership was designed not only to support community participation but also to strengthen institutional systems within the County Government. KCDF’s investment contributed to building communities’ capacity to articulate their development priorities while supporting county structures responsible for planning, coordinating, and monitoring community development initiatives.

The policy was formally presented by KARA Chief Executive Officer Henry Ochieng, with support from KCDF Programmes Director Ceasear Ngule and Communications Manager Boniface Mutinda. The handover meeting was attended by the County Chief Officer for Social Services, members of the County Technical Committee, the County Legal Team, and other key stakeholders.

Speaking during the event, Hon. Brian Mulama commended KCDF, KARA, the County Technical Committee, and all partners involved in the policy development process. He reaffirmed the County Government’s commitment to fast-tracking the policy’s approval and implementation, noting its potential to enhance community development and improve the livelihoods of Nairobi residents.

KCDF’s support for the development of the Nairobi City County Community Development Policy reflects its broader commitment to advancing social justice and sustainable development by creating opportunities for communities to actively participate in governance and influence decisions that affect their lives.

Through strategic partnerships, policy advocacy, and support for community-led initiatives, KCDF continues to strengthen systems and institutions that promote inclusive development and empower communities to shape their own development agenda.

The policy will now be submitted to the Nairobi City County Executive Committee for consideration and approval before implementation, bringing Nairobi County one step closer to a more coordinated, participatory, and community-driven approach to development.