Understanding community-led and collaborative responses to Covid-19 in Nairobi
Grassroots and civil society groups in Nairobi contributed to raising awareness about Covid-19 using creative strategies
Abstract
Grassroots and civil society groups in Nairobi significantly contributed to raising awareness about Covid-19 by using several creative strategies that can usefully complement official risk communication strategies. An array of non-state actors – including community health volunteers (CHVs), private firms, youth, women’s, faith-based and refugee-led organisations – were also key in assisting marginalised residents, but these efforts would benefit considerably from additional governmental support and recognition. Collaborations between state and non-state actors took various forms but were typically emergency responses (such as providing cash or food assistance), which did not necessarily adopt a strategic, longer-term approach to address urban poverty and deprivation. Other emerging interventions – such as to counter police brutality, support multi-sectoral upgrading and engage constructively with informality – may open newfound possibilities of more lasting, equitable change.
This work is an output of the African Cities Research Consortium
Citation
Sverdlik, A, Ernstson, H, Wairutu, J and Waithaka, J (2022).Understanding community-led and collaborative responses to Covid-19 in Nairobi. ACRC Briefing Paper. Manchester: African Cities Research Consortium, The University of Manchester.
Links
Understanding community-led and collaborative responses to Covid-19 in Nairobi