Usalama Mtaani: Resident Associations To Champion New Security Initiative

The Kenya Alliance of Resident Associations (KARA) has unveiled a national initiative, Usalama Mtaani, a community-first security programme that reimagines public safety as a shared responsibility between residents, government, and private actors.

The initiative, dubbed The KARA Usalama Mitaani Programme, titled “Building Safer Communities, Strengthening Security”, will see residents report incidents, share intelligence, and co-create tailored solutions in partnership with law enforcement, National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs), and private security firms through digital platforms like the Hatua App.

The model, being championed by KARA, points out that real security begins where people live — in neighbourhoods, estates, and informal settlements — and must be shaped with, not just for, the communities affected.

Launched on June 8, 2025, the programme brings together Resident Associations (RAs), private security firms, law enforcement agencies, and grassroots leaders to build safer communities from the ground up. The model acknowledges that with a national ratio of one police officer per 688 citizens, formal systems alone cannot meet Kenya’s growing security needs. Communities must be empowered, organised, and equipped to participate in their own protection.

“It is our responsibility to safeguard the security we have so that it can benefit all Kenyan citizens. We want a community led security approach, where the community and government ckmes together for the fulfilment of the same goal,” KARA CEO Henry Ochieng says.

A key priority of the programme is combating the growing crisis of drug and alcohol abuse among Kenyan youth, particularly in urban slums and peri-urban centers.

“Security emanates from the smallest unit of the community — the family. Since the government of President Ruto came to office, the rate of security and safety has improved. We therefore welcome this initiative by KARA. As government, we recognize KARA as the foundation of the country’s security. We will work hand in hand with you to support this initiative,” says Dr Raymond Omollo – Principal Secretary, Ministry of Interior and National Administration.

“We have slightly over 100,000 police officers. When you think about it, you begin to appreciate how impossible it is to place officers on every corner — which is why security must be a collaborative effort. In contrast, Kenya has over 1.2 million private security officers. This shows the untapped power in public-private-community partnerships.”

According to Dr Omollo, housebreaking and burglary account for more than 40% of reported crimes in the country.

“I’m impressed by the growing use of technology to curb security threats. This is the future — and we must scale it up. On behalf of the government, I assure you we will continue to improve response times and enhance safety. We will invest in smarter systems, stronger coordination, and sustained partnerships that make our neighborhoods safer,” Dr Omollo stated.

The initiative integrates a multi-pronged response that includes preventive education via faith institutions and peer-led, community-based rehab referrals, and collaborative enforcement between residents, private firms, and anti-narcotics agencies like NACADA.

“The issue of alcohol and drug abuse knows no class or age. It is a disease — and users are encouraged to seek help through rehabilitation. I urge the government to invest in more rehabilitation centers, including inpatient facilities that provide dignified and structured care for those struggling,” says NACADA CEO Anthony Omerikwa.

“With support from KARA, we’ve launched community-based rehabilitation centers — bringing recovery closer to the people, and giving neighborhoods the power to heal from within.”

Inspector General Douglas Kanja / Deputy Inspector General (DIG)… Bearing written message of the Inspector General

“If Nairobi’s security is fixed, then the nation’s security is fixed. Security is not the sole responsibility of the police — it demands collaboration from associations, communities, and the police. It is based on trust between the police and the public. The police are partners and mentors of the communities,” Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja stated.

“Security starts at the local level. Your involvement matters — it can prevent crime before it occurs. Kenyans must take an active role in safeguarding our country by working closely with security agencies.”

According to Maryanne Gladwell, Chairlady, Garden Estate Ridgeways Association, residents collaborating with the police has greatly reduced crime rates in residential areas.

“On a regular basis, our association supports local police with essentials like umbrellas and raincoats — and this simple act has significantly improved their response to crime alerts,” Gladwell says.

“Since installing CCTV in our area, crime rates have gone down. These safety initiatives may seem expensive, but sleeping at night knowing our community is protected reduces anxiety and stress among residents.”

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