Youth project in Nairobi’s Majengo slum helping create jobs, reduce crime

Nairobi’s Majengo slum, situated in the city’s Kamukunji Sub-County next to the popular Gikomba Market, has long been known for its high crime rate. But this narrative is shifting, thanks to the efforts of its young residents who are increasingly stepping up, determined to find honest work and forge a better future for themselves.

In response to the urgent need for more job opportunities, local groups are re-evaluating their strategies and working hard to open new doors for the youth.

One such group driving this positive change is the Bidii Self-Help Group.

Founded in 1998 and originally consisting mostly of older members, the group is now incorporating more young people into its leadership and other roles.

Rebranded into Thirty-Seven Self-Help Group, its young members are now taking charge of managing the group’s toilet business and other community projects.

According to Hamisi Wachira, the group’s interim chairperson for over a decade, this change was essential for providing more opportunities, which was the original purpose of the group.

"Years ago, this area was so tough that you wouldn’t even want to walk through it. But we’ve witnessed real transformation because people now have a stable and honest way to earn a living. This is the gap we aim to continue addressing. By bringing in more young people with fresh ideas, we’re optimistic that we’ll keep making progress,” Wachira told The Eastleigh Voice.

He acknowledged that the enduring stigma of crime still affects their interactions with clients and the community, with some people believing that once someone has a criminal past, they remain criminals forever.

Hamisi Wachira, the chairperson of the Thirty-Seven Self-Help Group. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

“We urge the community to support young people. Labelling them as criminals doesn’t help anyone. When given opportunities, they can sustain themselves and contribute positively. We’ve encountered situations where people automatically assume that the youth will steal from them, even though we are committed to honest work,” he said.

Thirty-Seven Self-Help Group operates a public toilet and a car wash, and its members are optimistic about expanding their opportunities as more join in. The group now has 50 registered members, with additional individuals yet to officially register. It comprises both young and older members, with the recent reforms bringing in a larger number of young people.

Jackson Mbaya, a newly registered young member of the group, observed that long-standing traditions of some individuals holding onto positions for long can hinder progress and leave many youths without opportunities.

“It’s crucial for people to understand that once someone has established themselves, they should step aside to make room for others. We’ve seen many jobless young people, and we want to make sure they get the chance to be included. I believe there should be a policy where members stay in their roles for a while and then move on to other opportunities. This way, we can continuously empower others, as many youths need jobs and opportunities,” said Mbaya.

Hassan Mohamed, a toilet attendant who works with the Thirty-Seven Self-Help Group. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

Many of the initial members were individuals who had reformed from crime. John, not his real name, recalled the early days when he was frequently arrested for no reason.

“This group gave me a new beginning. It took a while for the community to accept that I had truly reformed, but after consistently proving myself, they finally welcomed me back,” he said.

John noted that he can now provide for his family and children thanks to the support of the group.

“I saw many of my friends fall into crime or even die because they couldn’t change their ways. Choosing this new path has helped me and my family. For over a decade now, I’ve lived in peace, working in the group without fear.”

He observed that when opportunities are scarce, crime tends to rise as people seek to meet their needs.

“This area has changed a lot. There was a time when you couldn’t walk through here if you weren’t a local. Thanks to this car wash and other projects, things have improved,” he said.

Named after the 37 block number assigned by the county, the Thirty-Seven Self-Help Group is committed to improving the community and launching various projects. Despite facing numerous challenges, such as inadequate drainage and outdated equipment, the group remains focused on its mission. New members can join by contributing Sh1,000.