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With an aim of expanding its reach to all youth in Kenya, Sauti Mtaani held a Youth Induction meeting with Youth Ambassadors from Eastleigh North Ward and Mihang’o Ward. The meeting was held at Paris Hotel, Nairobi on 19^th October, 2016. The youth from these two wards narrated their experiences on how they have been finding it difficult to engage with their respective MCAs and appreciated the role Sauti Mtaani will play in bridging this gap. The youth were then taken through the process of using the Sauti Mtaani platform by sending an SMS to the short code 21393. The youth also suggested ways in which Sauti Mtaani could penetrate into their wards ensuring that every youth is reached. To crown it all, the youth were given T-Shirts and fliers to enable them reach out to their peers in their respective wards.

This was the message that the Sauti Mtaani team from Umoja 2, in collaboration with their MCA Hon. Kingsley Odida and various football teams spread on the 27th of November, 2015. The MCA organized a cleanup activity that saw youth clean up their ward and collect garbage. This activity presented an opportunity for Sauti Mtaani team to talk about the platform, how it works and its benefits. It was a way of getting practical on both governance and the environment. At the end of the day, Sauti Mtaani had achieved a wider reach and as with the theme of the day, it was also clear to the youth that participation in governance is their responsibility and Sauti Mtaani is one way of taking up that responsibility.

On 15^th December 2015, at PCEA Kamuyu, CEEC conducted an evaluation of the project “Alleviating Poverty in Burnt Forest through Women’s Economic Empowerment”.  The meeting brought together 26 women from Burnt Forest and members of the Laituchu women group. The evaluation sought to assess in the short term the trainee’s grasp of new knowledge and skills, practical application of the same as well as to identify any further capacity gaps. Using observation, focus group and plenary discussions as tools of evaluation, CEEC evaluated the process, the impact and outcome of the project. The women shared their success stories, challenges, learning points and gave the following feedback:

Learning points

• Success is progressive and not a one –off thing.
• Nothing good comes easily.
• Less me and more we.
• Sacrifice and commitment is key to team success

Project outcomes

• Improved inter-ethnic relations, cooperation and team work among the group members.
• Improved relationships at family level especially after the male allies meeting, who are supporting and encouraging them.
• Increased knowledge and acquisition of new skills (tailoring and beadwork).
• An elevated status of women because of their improved position in the community thus boosting their self-esteem and worth.
• Improved asset base for the group i.e. machines and finances.
• Economic empowerment for the women through sale of their products.
• Exposure and new life experiences especially after the learning visit to Sanata Women Group.
• The topics covered in the training were very helpful because they became practical as the group embarked on working together e.g. stages of group development, group dynamics and financial management.

Tailoring and beadwork outputs (November- December)

• 50  skirts
• 95 petticoats
• 122 beadwork pieces (wristbands, bracelets,)

The project realized most of its objectives including: economic empowerment for the women, gender inclusivity/participation in community development and promotion of inter-ethnic dialogue and peaceful co-existence. “This project has united us…when a Kikuyu speaks a Kalenjin understands and when a Kalenjin speaks a Kikuyu understands…we are no longer divided along tribal lines…we have become one”reported one of the group members.

Click here to view the gallery.

The second Sauti Mtaani socialization event was held on the 7th of November, 2015, at Aqua Gardens on Mirema drive, in Zimmerman. It was another opportunity to bring together the Sauti Mtaani ambassadors from the top performing wards to enhance team spirit, strengthen their relationships and acknowledge their good work with a token of appreciation. This time the leading ward was Mowlem followed by Viwandani and Dandora III. The ambasadors from the three wards received back packs, polo shirts and snap back caps respectively. The moderators from the remaining wards received wrist bands, commonly known as a “shambala”. It was clear that healthy competition was encouraging the teams to make Sauti Mtaani a household name in their respective wards. The event included fun games, music and food. An introductory game, “How well do you know your team” was a fun way of getting to know each other as did other physical games; plate race, balloon battles and no hand get up. Other games aimed at enhancing team spirit, communication skills, strategizing capabilities and mental preparedness for handling different situations. Just like the previous one, it was evident that the socialization event was a very effective incentive for the youth to engage with their MCAs through Sauti Mtaani.

On 1st November 2015, Njathaini grounds in Zimmerman was a bee hive of activities. The Sauti Mtaani team together with their MCA Hon. Pius Mwaura had organized a tournament that brought together hundreds of youth from all corners of the ward who braved the bad weather to discuss ward development issues as they enjoyed one of their favourite activities, sports. Three teams which included a men’s soccer team, a ladies’ soccer team and the handball team battled it out for the trophy and other prizes. The mammoth crowd presented a good opportunity for the Sauti Mtaani team whose members spent a good part of the day popularizing the platform. They did this during the breaks but they also did a major demonstration of how the platform works during the prize giving session. The youth were taken through the steps and also given the opportunity to try it out. The MCA encouraged the youth to ask any ward development related questions and to take advantage of the Sauti Mtaani platform since it gave them an opportunity to participate in governance. This event created a lot of awareness and opened channels of communication between the MCA and Zimmerman youth as indicated by the number of messages received via the platform after the event.

0n the 31st of October 2015, the Inua Talanta youth group, held their monthly event “Inua Talanta Mtaani”, at the Chiefs’ camp in Mutuini ward. The event usually focuses on showcasing and promoting youth talent in Mutuini. Knowing that the event would attract a youthful crowd, the Sauti Mtaani team from the ward decided to synergize with Inua Talanta as well as other groups present in sensitizing the youth on the need to participate in governance. The Sauti Mtaani team explained to the youth how they can easily engage with their MCA free of charge through the platform. It was a good opportunity to educate the youth on matters of governance and the need to be proactive if they expected positive change in their ward.