Listen to the stories and perspectives of the urban poor communities we work with. Through their voices, you’ll hear firsthand accounts of challenges, resilience, and the impact of collective action in transforming informal settlements into dignified living spaces.
We believe the adaptation plans we develop within communities are both legitimate and practical. These plans are designed to be tried, tested, and built to stand the test of time. Communities must be allowed to dream.
Muungano brings data to life by telling the stories of our cities. Through KYCTV platforms, we showcase hundreds of real-life stories from our communities. These stories help the public understand who we are and the impact of our work. Muungano wa Wanavijiji is unique in its approach, making a significant difference through its comprehensive storytelling.
As a community, we collected data during Mukuru SPA, the voice of the community reflected our realities on the ground when presenting information to the Government, data gave us a voice.
When I joined Muungano, it was about professionals doing everything…They were allocating Muungano members to do things, but not Muungano saying ‘this is what we want to do’…Now it has changed. Where [it] was given that mandate, federation has taken the lead. Everything is more active than before…You own the process.
I think unity is the key, unity is the key for all people in the settlements. To be able to make a change you have to be united. Speak many, speak in one voice for it to be heard.
As a result of community engagement during settlement profiling and visioning supported by SDI Kenya and Muungano Wa Wanavijiji, our group developed a plan to address the waste management challenges in Mathare 4B. By offering voluntary door-to-door waste collection, raising awareness, and placing waste bins along Mathare River, we aim to reduce illnesses and improve living conditions.
Organizations are typically led from the office, but Muungano stands out. Here, young people and women are at the forefront of our movement. They are not just participants but leaders who drive the vision and action of Muungano.
In my experience, I find it difficult to turn a grown-up into a climate champion compared to children. Education is key to creating a sustainable future, and by starting early and teaching children about the importance of taking care of the environment, we are creating a culture of sustainability that will continue into adulthood. By inspiring leadership in children, we can create a generation of young people who are proactive, innovative, and passionate about creating a sustainable future for all.
We are pioneering locally-led adaptation initiatives. Young people feel empowered, knowing they play a crucial role in these efforts. Through Muungano, we’re able to provide funding to hard-to-reach areas, making a tangible impact on the ground. This grassroots approach ensures that our work is effective and meaningful.
Young people are more determined than ever to push for inclusion and meaningful engagement. There’s space for us—we are creative, innovative, and full of energy. Through art and media, we advocate for change and raise awareness within our communities.
Often, the government and county authorities struggle to develop areas because they lack knowledge of land ownership. Muungano has been instrumental in addressing land issues. Through our data, we’ve been able to inform the government about land ownership, leading to significant improvements in Mukuru. The changes you see today are a direct result of Muungano’s efforts.
Community health promoters faced numerous challenges in the past. We used to cover over 100 households, but the data we collected as a community allowed us to negotiate with the government, and now we have kits and a monthly stipend.
We lobbied for water in our settlement and it worked: the government took notice of our requests. We lobbied over sanitation facilities in Mukuru, and they heard us. Our advocacy on housing got us meetings with the Minister of Lands…If we want the government to listen to us, we come out in large numbers, and eventually they will listen.
Through mentorship and support from Muungano wa Wanavijiji, the group learned to map community structures and enumerate households. This was crucial for managing garbage collection, understanding the number of households they would be working with, and ensuring cooperation while collecting data.
Muungano is a big process. We learn day by day and through earlier mistakes. Twenty years to come, where there are slums there will be permanent houses.
I know, because we have already begun…
Those who are young now will be old like me and because they have already started learning they will do much better, much more, than we have done.
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