Kara Monthly E-Newsletter: September 2016
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Nairobi City County Government has enacted a law that provides a framework for structured and effective engagement between Residents Associations and the County Government. The formulation of the Nairobi City County Community and Neighbourhood Associations Engagement Act, 2016 was initiated by KARA in response to lack of a legal and strong engagement mechanism between Residents Associations and the County Government. The Act was published on Friday, 26th August 2016 and shall come into operation upon expiry of ninety (90) days from the date of its publication. While some of the provisions Kara pushed for were not included in the final law, we are nonetheless pleased that its enactment is a step in the right ...
The key to stemming unchecked growth lies with local residents’ groups
Nation: After living in Zimmerman for most of his life, Mr Dennis Gatune, an IT manager with a city-based firm, decided to move out after seeing the estate decline drastically.
Governor Kidero promises to strengthen stakeholders’ engagement in service delivery agenda
KARA participated in Nairobi Governor’s round table meeting with Business Membership Organizations (BMO) where various service delivery issues were discussed.
Prof. Judi Wakhungu, Environment Cabinet Secretary urges partnership with Residents Associations to create awareness on Electro Magnetic Frequency
The Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Natural Resources Prof. Judi Wakhungu has called on mobile phone operators and relevant Government agencies to partner with Residents Associations in creating awareness regarding the effect of Electro Magnetic Frequency (EMF) emanating from Base Transceiver Stations (BTS).
Law to strengthen Residents Associations collaboration with Nairobi County Government enacted
Nairobi City County Government has enacted a law that provides a framework for structured and effective engagement between Residents Associations and the County Government. The formulation of the Nairobi City County Community and Neighbourhood Associations Engagement Act, 2016 was initiated by KARA in response to lack of a legal and strong engagement mechanism between Residents Associations and the County Government. The Act was published on Friday, 26th August 2016 and shall come into operation upon expiry of ninety (90) days from the date of its publication. While some of the provisions Kara pushed for were not included in the final law, we are nonetheless pleased that its enactment is a step in the right direction and provides an opportunity for Residents Associations to have more say on how decisions (especially on planning) affecting them are made. The specific objectives of the Act are to:
- Establish a legal framework for the engagement, promotion and facilitation of community and neighbourhood associations in their support and co-operation with the county government in the delivery of services.
- Enhance public participation in the decision making by the County Government especially with regard to service delivery and thus give effect to Article 10 of the constitution
- Recognize and facilitate community and neighborhood initiatives in complementing County Government Services, including in security, waste management, water and sanitation
- Establish a recognition framework for the community and neighborhood associations
- Provide for the competencies and responsibilities of the neighborhood initiatives and associations
- Strengthen capacities of associations to enforce regulations aimed at enhancing service provision.
Some of the key highlights of the Act include:
- The County Government shall enter into recognition agreement with Resident Associations aimed at enhancing the role of the Associations in monitoring compliance with the County planning regulations and zoning requirements in respect of their neighborhood; protection of public utility land and recreational facilities; management of garbage collection and payments.
- The County Government in consultation with the Residents Associations may delineate respective zones within the County which shall be recognized as areas of the respective neighbourhood associations.
- The County Government shall at least twice a year convene a forum of Residents Associations to discuss County Government programmes of interest to the residents.
- Where two thirds of members of an Association pass a lawful resolution under the mandate of the Association, the resolution shall be binding to the rest of the members within the Association.
- The County Government may grant waivers on rates, fees and other charges due to it from members of an Association that have successfully implemented recognition agreement entered into with the County Government.
- The County Government may enter into agency arrangements with any Association for the purpose of providing services.
KARA intends to actively engage the County Government to ensure that the Act is effectively implemented and input from Residents Associations reflected in decisions affecting them. We will also do continuous review of the Act and where necessary propose amendments after expiry of six months from the date of publication of the Act. In the meantime, we are working on a national Residents Associations Bill that will address the interests of Residents Associations across the country.
Business Expo: Have you registered for the Kara Business Expo & Conference?
Preparations for the Kara Business Expo and Conference slated for November 25-27, 2016 at the Sarit Center are on course.
Kara Monthly E-Newsletter: July 2016
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Streets comprise more than 80% of public space in most cities, but in most cases, there are no provisions for space where people can safely walk, cycle, drive and socialize. In most of Kenya’s urban cities, the practice is to design streets with the only goal being to facilitate movement of vehicles. However, this is bound to change as the Government is putting measures in place to ensure development of complete streets in Kenya’s urban areas. This was revealed during a policy dialogue forum on complete streets and urban design guidelines organized by Kara in partnership with the Center for Sustainable Urban Development (CSUD) of Columbia University, New York...
Kara has partnered with Safaricom Ltd to provide platforms for the public, experts and government to discuss and share ideas on how best to address various security challenges in Kenya. After successfully organizing the Nairobi forum, our next destination is Mombasa. The forum will be held on 21st July 2016 at the Royal Court Hotel from 12 noon to 2.30pm on the theme: What is the place of technological innovation in the fight against insecurity in Kenya? Expected participants at the forum include leading security experts, business people, senior government officers, media among others. To participate in the forum get in touch with us on
What is the health & environmental effect Electro-Magnetic Frequency (EMF) from Base Transceiver Stations?
When it comes to matters of health & environmental effect of Electro-Magnetic Frequency (EMF) that emanates from Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) opinions are varied.
New Mombasa County Commissioner to work with Residents Associations in the fight against insecurity.
Kara in partnership with Safaricom Ltd held a successful forum in Mombasa to discuss security challenges at the Coast and how technology can be applied to fight insecurity.
Partnership with Resident Associations & Implementation of Planning Laws Key to Addressing Urban Development Challenges
The recent documentary regarding the faded glory of the once enviable Buru Buru estate is a classical example of what happens when there is total disregard of physical planning laws and regulations.
Kara Monthly E-Newsletter: April 2016
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Kara held a meeting with the Ministry of Land, Housing and Urban Development and Ministry of Health earlier in the year at which it was agreed that the engagement between Kara and the Ministries will be strengthened and streamlined. To realize this goal, the Ministry of Land, Housing and Urban Development has appointed Mr. Moses Gatana as the liaison person specifically tasked with handling Kara matters and ensuring that appropriate action is taken in a timely manner.
The 6th edition of the 3-days Kara training workshop for County leaders took place on the 16th-18th March 2016 in Nairobi. The focus of the training was on County Human Resources Performance Management for Better Service Delivery and it was attended by members of County Public Service Boards from Mandera, Wajir, Taita Taveta, Kitui, Uasin Gishu and Kwale Counties.
Kara was pleased to be part of the Annual General Meeting for North Coast Rate Payers & Resident Association (NCRRA) and Ngei II Langata Residents Association. Kara CEO Mr. Henry Ochieng addressed the NCRRA meeting and interacted with members on a range of issues that are of interest to North Coast residents. He challenged participants at the meeting to support the Association by participating in its activities and paying the necessary subscription as this will make it stronger in advocating for their interest. He advised the Association to actively engage the County Government in a structured way and push for better service delivery. Mr. Ochieng pointed out that due to lack of proper legal framework, Associations have challenges in enforcing their resolutions but this is being addressed through the ongoing push for a Residents Association Act.
Kara Signs MOU with KK Security Limited
KARA Chief Executive Officer Henry Ochieng and KK Security Group Sales & Marketing Manager Bill Lay exchange documents after signing a memorandum of understanding.
National Cohesion: Kenya is at its worst security index – NCIC Chairman Francis Ole Kaparo
According to The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) Chairman Mr. Francis Ole Kaparo, Kenya is at its worst cohesion index just few months to the general elections.
Kenya Government has embraced public private partnerships to ensure safer streets for all by design
Streets comprise more than 80% of public space in most cities, but in most cases, there are no provisions for space where people can safely walk, cycle, drive and socialize.
Kara Press Statement on The Burning of Syokimau Administration Police Post
The Kenya Alliance of Resident Associations (KARA) condemns in the strongest terms possible the burning of the Syokimau Administration Police post by hooligans.
Teach cohesion in schools, Kaparo proposes
THE PEOPLE: National Cohesion and Integration Commission is consulting the Ministry of Education on possibility of introducing peace and cohesion subjects in schools in a bid to unite the nation.
Biggest political tussles of 2017 will be at county level, warns Kaparo
THE STAR: The biggest political tussles in 2017 will be at county level as governors and MCAs wield powers no one had before, the NCIC has said.
NCIC: Kenya at its worst peace index
THE STANDARD: According to the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), this is the worst division to be witnessed in the country a year to a General Election.
Press Release: KARA Response to FY2016/2017 Budget
FY2016/17 Budget Estimates as read by the Cabinet Secretary, Henry Rotich will lead to difficult economic times for the ordinary Kenyan.
Technology: Kara in partnership with Safaricom Ltd on use of technology to enhance security
Kara has partnered with Safaricom Ltd to provide platforms for the public, experts and government to discuss and share ideas on how best to address various security challenges in Kenya.
