The campaign against illicit brews and substance abuse across Kiambu County is adopting new strategic approaches. Local leaders are deploying alternative tactics designed to engage recovering individuals in productive activities, providing them with meaningful avenues to rebuild and sustain their livelihoods.
At the forefront of these efforts is Ndenderu Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) David Mwaura, who continues to organize community projects aimed at keeping local youth positively engaged throughout their recovery process.
During a recent initiative in Ruaka, MCA Mwaura mobilized local youth for a comprehensive cleanup operation along key transit routes. As part of the exercise, he commissioned the planting of over 1,500 tree seedlings. Speaking at the venue, Mwaura emphasized that these community projects effectively keep young people occupied, steering them away from local drinking establishments.
Mwaura also noted that the cleanup serves a dual purpose by clearing drainage systems in preparation for heavy El Niño rainfall anticipated this month. The suburb of Ruaka is particularly vulnerable to severe flooding due to its high density of residential and commercial structures.
The initiative was conducted in partnership with the Mustard Seed Foundation, led by Dr. Margaret Gakami, who also serves as the Sub-County Police Commander for Dagoretti South. Joint activities included clearing overgrown bush along roadsides—areas that have increasingly posed security risks in the town.
Dr. Gakami highlighted that the drive provides constructive engagement for young people away from substance abuse while simultaneously supporting law enforcement by eliminating potential hideouts for criminals. She observed that Ruaka and its surrounding neighborhoods have experienced rising crime rates, including incidents involving armed perpetrators, and expressed confidence that targeted environmental clearances would help reduce these security threats.
Additionally, Dr. Gakami reaffirmed her foundation’s commitment to collaborating with local leaders and residents on environmental conservation, particularly through tree planting near water sources to protect the ecosystem.
MCA Mwaura, who has announced his intention to contest the Kiambaa Parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Elections, clarified that the Ruaka exercise is part of an ongoing community outreach program.
He referenced previous ward-level initiatives, including free medical camps and continuous measures to address illegal dumping driven by rapid population growth across Ndenderu Ward.
He called on additional public and private stakeholders to join the effort to maintain environmental cleanliness and security across the region.
