Jukwaa la Usalama is a public, county-level dialogue forum initiative launched in 2019 by the Ministry of Interior to engage citizens on security issues. Borrowing from the old ‘baraza’ format, it is part of the Kenyan government’s community engagement and is also linked to the national security strategy. The project was initially piloted in a few counties before being rolled out to all 47 counties in the last two years. These forums are also organised so that Security agencies present current crime trends, enforcement plans, and social initiatives (rehabilitation, anti-illicit brew campaigns, traffic enforcement). At the same time, citizens share concerns on matters such as Gender-based violence, Illicit alcohol and drugs, Youth gang activity, Land disputes, and Road safety. The Forums also discuss police welfare and infrastructure gaps. 

So far this year, the following forums have been held in the following counties: 

Following these forums, the Cabinet Secretary of the Interior, Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen, recently announced changes in Nairobi aimed at addressing the persistent urban sprawl as the city has grown to over 5 million people. Nairobi has now been split into North, East, and West, and additional county commissioners have been appointed. This will ease access to security services. While this is commendable, it is important to note that without follow-up, these structural changes risk remaining symbolic rather than transformative.

Jukwaa la Usalama forums have successfully opened channels for citizen participation and brought local security concerns to the attention of policymakers. However, several weaknesses persist. Firstly, the forums often raise expectations without guaranteeing action, leaving citizens frustrated when reported issues persist. Secondly, coverage and consistency vary across counties, leaving some communities, particularly in remote or conflict-prone areas, underrepresented. Thirdly, resource and capacity constraints among law enforcement agencies can limit the ability to implement solutions suggested in the forums, such as increasing patrols, rehabilitating substance abusers, or upgrading police infrastructure.

Additionally, there is a risk that sensitive or politically connected issues are downplayed, undermining the credibility of the forums. While the concept promotes transparency and shared responsibility, it remains heavily dependent on political will, adequate funding, and systematic follow-up. Without mechanisms to track outcomes and hold both officials and agencies accountable, the forums may become routine exercises in consultation rather than instruments of real security improvement. The openness of the forums may also expose citizens who speak out to violence from youth gangs or those who are carrying out illegal activities, especially if they feel exposed. Without a way of protecting those who speak out, the forums could jeopardise the lives of the very people they seek to protect.

Jukwaa la Usalama represents a promising platform for community-driven security governance, as it also leverages initiatives such as Nyumba Kumi, but its effectiveness hinges on sustained follow-up, measurable results, and equitable participation across all counties. To realise its full potential, the government must couple dialogue with action, ensure accountability, and allocate sufficient resources to address the concerns raised at these forums.