THE RISE OF ‘VIGILANTE’ RESIDENTS ASSOCIATIONS: WE SHOULD BE WARY.

When I began my practice Eleven years ago, I was quickly inducted into the intrigues of how it was difficult to get projects done in the Runda area. The ‘original’ Runda I mean, not the pseudo one being bungled nowadays for marketing purposes of upcoming projects. It is hilarious that we are nearing Kiambu town and still calling it Runda or maybe we should change Kiambu town to Runda town…maybe. It was well known how the Runda Residents Association had the knack to stall projects they believed didn’t warrant construction approval in their neighborhood. One time in fact, about 4yrs ago, I had a run-in with them over a project I was managing in the area. What shocked me was that even the County government which I believe should be the final authority as regards project approvals seemed to kowtow to their whims. The County, unabashed, asked us to seek approval from the Association as well. But what concerned me then, and still do, was how it would be possible to carry out projects with an increase of such associations. Time has indeed founded my worries, we are a testament to the augmentation of Residents’ Associations across this City.

The rise in what I seek permission to call the Vigilante Residents Association is a symptom of a failed Nairobi County leadership. In properly functioning Municipalities, such Associations would be unnecessary or much more for luxury purposes - nothing else. I concede that ours isn’t. The blatant disregard for zoning regulations coupled with the inherent corruption of cancer is driving many residents across the city to gather to protect their neighbourhoods. And it is not necessarily a bad thing either. The jest that has become of our city planning over the last decade or so calls for residents to be in arms. As Gobind Singh says: “When all other means have failed, it is righteous to draw the sword.” This is their sword of protection.

However, we must be cautious of this voyage we are taking. Globally, resident associations have also been shown to stifle meaningful developments. The effects of ‘Not In My Backyard (NIMBY) residents on City developments are well documented. The obvious partiality to protect their areas can lead to subjective decisions in evaluating upcoming projects. We must be wary of it; I caution against the creation of “powerful’, rigid resident associations across Nairobi City. Listen, I understand the need and where they are coming from but this is not a lasting solution. I believe demanding accountability leadership at City Hall would be an acceptable solution for a City that is still growing like Nairobi. With the increasing urbanization and population growth rate, we are going to inevitably experience planning changes, in fact, we are already at it. We must navigate this inevitability with the County and Residents joined at the hip – consultations of residents by City hall on the upcoming changes and flexibility from the residents to glaring needed changes. Win-Win!

We must, however, find a balance fast. 75% of the world’s population is projected to be living in cities by 2050. It is imperative we avoid the looming clash – if it hasn’t started already – between residents’ associations and the coming changes. That solution in my view lies at City Hall. Let’s ask for better as residents: Let’s demand better leadership in this County – especially in this election. Otherwise, our Judiciary should start preparing a special court to deal with the upcoming disputes. It will have many casualties, I bet.