The Zuia Noma Campaign pitched its tent in Nakuru Town. Sponsored by the Merck Family Foundation, Lifesong Kenya organized the event in partnership with the Haven of Dreams in Nakuru.
Learn more about what happened during the event.
Nakuru County faces challenges related to crime, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). With generous support from the Merck Family Foundation, Lifesong Kenya responded. After successful campaigns in Nairobi, Lifesong shifted focus to Nakuru Town. The Nakuru Edition brought together women, children and vulnerable groups from informal settlements.
This one day event proved to be a perfect forum for a reflection on issues affecting Nakuru County. Participants included reformed youth, families affected by crime, police officers and media representatives.
Most of the participants came from Bondeni and Kaptembwa, which are hotspots of crime. This ensured that a range of perspectives and lived-experiences enriched the discussions.
Zuia Noma Campaign key focus objectives
- Raising awareness about crime, SGBV and suicide: The forum served as a crucial platform to openly discuss crime, SGBV and suicide. By bringing these often-stigmatized topics into the open, the campaign encouraged open dialogue.
- Education on prevention strategies: Participants received valuable information about prevention strategies, empowering them to take proactive steps. The forum highlighted available support systems by sharing contacts to turn for help.
- Community Engagement: The Zuia Noma Campaign engaged participants in creating safer and more supportive environments. This bore fruits in two areas. Participants discussed how they can build a collective sense of responsibility. They also explored ways to promote collaborative solutions.
Campaign focus key strengths
Participants applauded Lifesong Kenya and Haven of Dreams for working together. This collaborative approach of the Zuia Noma Campaign was a key strength. Bringing together individuals with lived-experience and community leaders created an open space for dialogue. This shared space created a room for understanding, empathy and shared problem-solving. This collaborative model is essential for developing sustainable and community-driven solutions.
The campaign is a huge step towards addressing crime, SGBV and suicide in Nakuru County. By fostering community engagement, Lifesong Kenya has ignited a spark of hope. Participants wanted to find out what plans Lifesong Kenya had about follow-up activities.
Opportunities now lie in nurturing this spark by building on the momentum generated. This includes ensuring that the voices of the community continue to be heard and acted upon.
Participants applauded Lifesong Kenya and Haven of Dreams for working together. This collaborative approach of the Zuia Noma Campaign was a key strength. Bringing together individuals with lived-experience and community leaders created an open space for dialogue. This shared space created a room for understanding, empathy and shared problem-solving. This collaborative model is essential for developing sustainable and community-driven solutions.
The campaign is a huge step towards addressing crime, SGBV and suicide in Nakuru County. By fostering community engagement, Lifesong Kenya has ignited a spark of hope. Participants wanted to find out what plans Lifesong Kenya had about follow-up activities.
Opportunities now lie in nurturing this spark by building on the momentum generated. This includes ensuring that the voices of the community continue to be heard and acted upon.
“The Zuia Noma Campaign is a powerful reminder that building safer communities require a collective effort. Every individual has a role to play.” — Hawi James Ouma, Lifesong Kenya
