With a population of more than 400,000 people, residents of Nairobi’s sprawling Mukuru informal settlement source their food and other basic necessities from a network of small open-air markets, food vendors and small-scale businesses. These informal market arrangements share common challenges, including a lack of essential services such as sanitation, access to water, solid waste management, and security. In addition, traders are subject to punitive policies, accompanied by frequent harassment and displacement, which results in loss of livelihoods and further impedes access to food for vulnerable populations.
Previous research by AMT and partners highlighted the crucial role of food vendors in enhancing food accessibility for Mukuru residents. One of the main insights from the study was the need for food vendors to unite to address these challenges. In response to this recommendation, AMT and TMG Research are collaborating with a network of informal food vendors to facilitate the formation of a food vendor’s association or cooperative. It is expected that this collective platform will empower traders to advocate for their rights and pursue greater accountability of duty bearers.
Manifesto Highlights
Key areas covered in the Manifesto include:
Mukuru SPA Plan: Advocating for the passage of the Mukuru Special Planning Area (SPA) plan to secure budgetary allocations for its implementation.
School Feeding: Ensuring that all children, whether in public or informal schools, have access to school feeding programs.
Essential Services: Advocating for improved provision of essential services such as water, electricity, and garbage management.
Infrastructure: Seeking improvements in local infrastructure.
Manifesto Implementation
Residents presented their manifesto to aspiring leaders through town hall meetings to obtain commitments for its implementation. All aspiring MCAs in the area, members of parliament, and Nairobi City County aspiring governors signed commitments to support the manifesto’s objectives.
Post-Election Achievements
After the election, the Mukuru People’s Manifesto Committee engaged with the newly elected leaders to follow up on their commitments. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who had pledged to address electricity challenges, organized a meeting between the committee and the Senate energy committee, of which he was a member.
During the meeting, Mukuru residents had the opportunity to voice their electricity-related issues. Following extensive discussions, the committee passed a resolution to summon representatives from Kenya Power Company and the Energy Cabinet Secretary to explain the challenges faced by Mukuru residents regarding electricity. They also proposed a site visit to Mukuru to assess the situation and subsequently direct the company to develop a permanent solution.
People’s Manifesto Reps with Sen Sifuna at the Senate Buildings.
The People’s Manifesto Reps before the Senate Committee on Energy.
People’s Manifesto Committee meeting at Limpopo Nairobi.
Senate Energy Committee reacts to illegal power connections in Mukuru
