Slums are characterized by all forms of insecurity owing to the densely populated, poverty and huge number of unemployed youths.
However, in Kaptembwa, Nakuru West sub-county, the story is different as a group of women have begun embracing their role in addressing the challenges facing society.
Under a project dubbed ‘Wamama na Usalama’ being implemented by Midrift Human Rights Network, the women have been empowered to take up major role in matters of security in society.
Speaking during a workshop in Kaptembwa, the women, led by Ms Josephine Maritim, believe they will help address challenges facing slums in incorporated.
The group called on the government to work closely with other stakeholders and non-governmental organizations in addressing the challenges.
“We have challenges but we thank Midrift for empowering us towards addressing the insecurity and other challenges. We are however calling on government to step and ensure we have a rehabilitation centre for the youths who have been addicts,” said Maritim.
Khadijah Ali called on the government to pay keen attention to slums.“The government should help address challenges facing women in slums,” she said.
Rose Omondi, another member of the lobby group, says women are the fabric that holds society together.
“We want women to be empowered so that they can take good care of their families and the society at large. In doing so we shall have less problems in society” she said.
Jane Josiah, who is in charge of the project at Midrift Human Rights, said the aim of the project is to ensure the voice of women is heard as matters security are concerned.
“The project ‘Wamama na Usalama’ is focusing on incorporating women in matters of security at the community level. We came up with it after realizing that most women are left out in security issues,” she said.
She added: “We have no clear statistics but as Midrift we are coming up with an observatory that will help collect all the data in Nakuru Municipality and Naivasha where the project is being implemented for action.”
Midrift Human Rights Network (Midrift Hurinet) in partnership with Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI-Kenya) is implementing a five (5) months pilot project (October 2018 to February 2019) in Kaptembwo informal settlement, in Nakuru County.