NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenyan government has ushered in a new era of inclusive and participatory security governance through its transformative initiative, Jukwaa la Usalama.
The platform invites citizens from all walks of life—especially women, youth, and marginalized communities—to engage in meaningful dialogue with policymakers.
By amplifying voices that have long been excluded from security discussions, the initiative aims to create a security framework that is responsive to the diverse needs of Kenya’s population.
The inaugural Pwani Edition of the Jukwaa la Usalama forum brought together various community stakeholders from across the coast, including women’s organizations, youth leaders, religious groups, and local administrators.
They raised pressing concerns that are often sidelined in traditional security policy discussions, with a particular focus on gender-based violence (GBV), youth unemployment, and the radicalization of young people.
These issues have been identified as key drivers of insecurity, and the forum provided a much-needed space to discuss them openly.
Gender-based violence emerged as a dominant theme during the forum, with women’s groups highlighting the rising cases of domestic abuse, early marriages, and workplace harassment.
The lack of adequate support for survivors and the underreporting of these crimes were emphasized as key barriers to ensuring justice for victims.
In response, the Ministry of Interior announced plans to roll out gender desks in police stations across the coastal counties.
This initiative, paired with specialized training for law enforcement officers in trauma-sensitive interviewing and victim support, is aimed at strengthening the police force’s capacity to respond to GBV with care and urgency.
The dialogue also addressed the concerns of youth who voiced frustrations over limited access to employment opportunities and the lack of structured engagement platforms for them to contribute to national programs.
Many young people, particularly from informal settlements, expressed their vulnerability to radicalization due to socio-economic challenges.
The government’s response includes the establishment of Youth Safety and Innovation Hubs, which will provide digital literacy training, civic education, and creative industry support.
By empowering youth with the skills and resources to contribute positively to society, the government aims to tackle both the immediate security risks posed by disenfranchised young people and the long-term need for economic opportunities.
The Jukwaa la Usalama forum exemplifies a paradigm shift in Kenya’s approach to security governance.
Rather than relying on a top-down enforcement model, the government is seeking to empower local communities by involving them directly in decision-making.
This model of governance encourages the active participation of citizens in shaping the security policies that affect their lives, reinforcing the idea that security is not solely the responsibility of law enforcement but of society as a whole.
The initiative also emphasizes the importance of local solutions to local problems.
Throughout the forum, community leaders shared grassroots security management practices, such as women-led neighborhood watches and youth mentorship programs.
These initiatives are being documented by the Ministry for replication in other regions, reinforcing the role of local leadership in maintaining peace and safety.
This inclusive approach to security governance is a core component of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which prioritizes inclusive development.
By integrating marginalized groups into the national security discourse, Jukwaa la Usalama aims to not only improve safety but also foster a sense of ownership and civic pride among citizens.
