The “Sauti Za Mtaa” initiative is a collaborative effort between the Mukuru Youth Initiative (MuYI) and Forum CIV under the Wajibu Wetu; Jumuika, Sikika! Programme, aimed at leveraging art for transformative social change within the Mukuru community. Scheduled from March 2023 to December 2025, it focuses on three core objectives.

Firstly, it empowers local residents to engage in decision-making processes through community-driven initiatives. Secondly, it enhances the capabilities of local artists to interpret and convey community issues effectively through their art. Finally, it aims to elevate service delivery standards and promote accountability among community leaders.

To achieve these objectives, MuYI collaborates with community champions who undergo comprehensive training in project planning, leadership, governance, devolution principles, civic education, public participation, budget-making, and accountability. Additionally, they acquire skills in stakeholder mapping, community engagement, and petition crafting.

1. Empowering Community Engagement: The initiative seeks to empower local residents to participate in decision-making processes through community-driven initiatives.
2. Enhancing Artistic Capabilities: It aims to enhance the capabilities of local artists to effectively interpret and convey community issues through their art.
3. Promoting Accountability and Service Delivery: The initiative aims to elevate service delivery standards and promote accountability among community leaders.

Sauti Za Mtaa: Activities Overview

Sauti Za Mtaa leverages art and community engagement to advocate for transformative social change within Mukuru and beyond. Below are the key activities planned under the project, organized by their respective outcomes.

Outcome 1: Increased Community-Driven Efforts

1. Coffee Bar Tuesday
   • Regular forums where youth and community members discuss governance, leadership, and local issues.
   • Foster dialogue between community members and duty bearers to enhance accountability and promote civic participation.
2. Mtaa Kwa Mtaa Campaigns
   • Grassroots advocacy campaigns targeting specific neighborhoods within Mukuru.
   • Empower community members to participate actively in local governance and address pressing issues.
3. Champions’ Training
   • Comprehensive capacity-building sessions for community champions in areas such as leadership, governance, public participation, and accountability.
   • Equip champions with tools to engage stakeholders, map resources, and mobilize the community effectively.
4. Perception Collection and Feedback Sessions
   • Gather community insights on governance and service delivery through surveys and forums.
   • Use findings to inform advocacy and improve engagement strategies.

Outcome 2: Enhanced Capacity of Artists to Interpret Community Issues and Use Art for Advocacy

1. Artist Friday Radio Show
   • A platform for local artists to discuss social issues and share their creative processes.
   • Showcase how art can be used as a tool for advocacy and community transformation.
2. Sauti Podcast
   • Episodes featuring young leaders, artists, and activists discussing governance, youth engagement, and civic responsibilities.
   • Amplify voices from the community while educating listeners on critical social and political issues.
3. Sauti Za Mtaa Comic Book
   • A visual storytelling initiative designed to address community challenges and inspire action.
   • Engage younger audiences by presenting relatable narratives and creative solutions to local issues.
4. Feature Film Production
   • Create impactful films that highlight systemic governance issues and promote community resilience.
   • Engage local talent as cast and crew, providing skill-building opportunities in filmmaking and advocacy.

Outcome 3: Increased Service Delivery and Accountability from Duty Bearers

1. Stakeholder Forums
   • Collaborative meetings with duty bearers, community members, and stakeholders to address pressing local issues.
   • Facilitate transparent conversations and joint problem-solving.
2. Duty Bearer Engagement Sessions
   • Ongoing dialogues with leaders such as Members of County Assembly (MCAs) and officers to ensure accountability.
   • Follow up on critical projects, such as infrastructure improvements and emergency response initiatives.
3. Youth-Police Relationship Building
   • Initiatives to strengthen trust and cooperation between young people and local law enforcement.
   • Establish youth desks at police stations to improve engagement and address concerns.

Cross-Cutting Activities

1. Art Exhibitions and Performances
   • Community events showcasing visual arts, music, and performances that reflect local stories and social themes.
   • Provide artists a platform to share their work and inspire action.
2. Community Screenings and Workshops
   • Screen advocacy films and organize workshops to discuss solutions to community challenges.
   • Use films and artistic projects as tools for sparking dialogue and promoting civic education.
3. Capacity Building for MuYI Hub
   • Strengthen the hub’s infrastructure and operational capacity to support long-term artistic and community projects.
   • Offer training programs to equip local artists and community members with skills in advocacy, leadership, and creativity.

Through these activities, Sauti Za Mtaa aims to amplify the voices of Mukuru residents, foster accountability, and demonstrate the transformative power of art in driving social change.