The government has been called upon to collaborate with Resident Associations in the digitization of operations and services, a key ingredient in the transformation of Nairobi into a smart, 24-hour economy city. Speaking in Nairobi during the Kenya Alliance of Resident Associations (KARA) 6th Annual Resident Associations Excellence Awards (ARAEA) Gala Dinner held on 5th December at Sarova Panafric Hotel, Jubilee Holdings Ltd Group CEO Dr. Julius Kipng’etich said that Resident Associations comprise of different professionals and talents with the requisite capacity to transform Nairobi city into a modern and smart city.
“Close collaboration between the government and the resident associations will enable Nairobi city to register a high level of improvement in terms of urban environment for citizens, visitors and businesses, while boosting efficiency and sustainability,” said Dr. Kipng’etich.
Dr. Kipng’etich urged members of the resident associations to participate in the development and transformation of the Nairobi metropolitan into a smart city full of modern comforts and restore the glory of the city. He said that in advanced economies, smart cities have been developed largely by resident associations in collaboration with governments.
“We need a city that is clean, secure and well connected. This will equally help to improve the quality of residents and increase investments which to a large extent will stimulate high economic growth,” he added.
Kenya’s capital city, he said, has for the past three decades experienced fast growth but lacks sound governance structures which calls for close collaboration between both levels of government, professionals and resident associations. Dr. Kipng’etich argued that vibrancy of the neighbourhood associations in addressing current and emerging challenges in the city will further help to reset the mindset of residents thus encouraging sound growth.
“The associations, owing to the fact that they are endowed with all cadres of professionals are well positioned to address larger macroeconomic issues, for example, fixing physical infrastructure and recreation facilities among others as part of a bigger strategy to make it a working city,” said Dr. Kipng’etich.
He noted that Nairobi has untapped opportunities, for instance, tourism, waste management and development of a 24-hour economy. He explained that other cities even within Africa have developed largely due to behaviour change of the residents.
“In Kigali in Rwanda, residents adopted a volunteering concept (‘Umuganda) which is basically a form of communal volunteering undertaken on every last Sunday of the month. This is a concept that, if well adopted in Nairobi, can help in changing behaviours and make the city attractive,” he said.
KARA CEO Henry Ochieng explained that the Annual Resident Associations Excellence Awards is designed to recognize and appreciate success stories by Resident Associations and also provide an opportunity for learning and possible replication of best practices across various neighbourhoods. He noted that this year’s awards theme focused on Resident Associations as Agents of Transformational Leadership and Improved Service Delivery in Kenya.
This year’s awards represented a wide range of creative and impactful initiatives that address local challenges, from environmental programs, public safety initiatives to greening neighborhoods and creating communication platforms that enhance civic participation.
Some of the partners that graced the occasion include Kenya Power Company, Safaricom PLC; CTM Ltd; Jamii Telecommunication Ltd; CocaCola Beverages Africa; NCBA Bank; Bingwa Services and the Royal Danish Embassy in Kenya.
Below is the full list of the Award Winners and Runners up:
| CATEGORY | ABOUT THE AWARD | WINNER | RUNNERS UP | |
| 1. | Mawasiliano | The purpose of this award is to recognize and reward residents association that has leveraged on creative communication approaches to ensure improved and structured communication among its membership. | Kilimani Project Foundation | Imara Daima Estate Association |
| 2. | Viwanja | The purpose of this award is to recognize and reward residents association whose work has immensely contributed towards protection of public spaces within their neighbourhood. | Ngei Phase 2 Estate Langata Resident Association | N/A |
| 3. | Ujenzi | The purpose of this award is to recognize and reward residents association whose work has immensely contributed towards the fight against uncontrolled and illegal development within their neighbourhood. | South Coast Residents Association | Kilimani Project Foundation |
| 4. | Drug Abuse Prevention | The purpose of this award is to recognize and reward residents association whose work has immensely contributed towards the fight against alcohol and drug abuse in Kenya | Komarock Residents Association | Komarock Ward Estates Alliance |
| 5. | Maji | The purpose of this award is to recognize and reward residents association whose work has immensely contributed towards access to better water services for its members | Garden Ridgeways Residents Association | N/A |
| 6. | Mazingira | The purpose of this award is to recognize and reward residents association whose work has immensely contributed towards promotion of a sustainable environmental management at the neighborhood level | Kiamunyi Miti Moja Residents Association, Nakuru | Imara Daima Estate Association |
| 7. | Usalama | The purpose of this award is to recognize and reward residents association whose work has immensely contributed towards promotion of security at the neighborhood level. | City of Kisumu Urban Areas Association | Garden Ridgeways Residents Association |
| 8. | Miundombinu | The purpose of this award is to recognize and reward residents association whose work has immensely contributed towards development and maintenance of public infrastructure within their neighborhood. | Garden Ridgeways Residents Association | City Park Welfare Association |