How Civic Education Transformed Vijiweni in Mtongwe Ward

"Since the project began, I’ve seen more community groups submit policy suggestions and participate in county forums. This shift toward active citizen engagement is exactly what we hoped for." - Salim Kingi , Likoni Sub County Administartor

For years, the streets of Vijiweni in Mtongwe Ward, Likoni Sub-county, were shrouded in darkness, both literally and figuratively. Poor street lighting left the area vulnerable to insecurity, especially at night, while limited civic awareness hindered residents from holding their leaders accountable. However, through the transformative power of civic education under the Tuyazungumuze Community Initiative, supported by DANIDA through Uraia Trust, the narrative has changed. Today, Vijiweni’s streets shine bright, symbolizing the power of informed citizen action.

Salim Mwaravino Sharing engaging youths during a community session

Mtongwe Ward, home to approximately 27,251 residents, has long been overlooked in essential services such as road maintenance, clean water supply, healthcare access, and street lighting. The lack of streetlights turned Vijiweni into a hotspot for insecurity, particularly during election periods when politicians exploited unemployed youths for violent political campaigns.

"For years, insecurity was our biggest nightmare," recalled Athman Ibrahim, a founding member of Vijiweni Youth Group. "We lived in constant fear after dark. Young people were being misled into crime, and we felt powerless to change our reality."

But that powerlessness didn’t last for long. In 2024, Kwacha Afrika’s Tuyazungumuze Community Initiative identified Mtongwe Ward as a critical area for civic education, focusing on constitutional rights, citizen participation, and devolution. Their mission was clear: to equip citizens with the knowledge and confidence to demand better services from the county government.

Kwacha Afrika’s civic educator, Salim Kingi, led an intensive training for Vijiweni Youth Group. Through interactive workshops, he explained the Bill of Rights, the role of devolution in service delivery, and how citizen participation can shape community development.

"When Mr. Salim visited us, we finally understood that change was within our grasp," said Athman. "He taught us how to use official channels to present our concerns and hold the government accountable. It was eye-opening."

The training inspired Vijiweni Youth Group to take action. Recognizing that insecurity stemmed from poorly lit streets, they drafted a formal request letter to the Likoni Sub-county Administrator, advocating for streetlights.

"We realized that we couldn’t just sit back and complain," Athman explained. "We had to be proactive and speak up for what our community needed."

The youth group’s letter landed on the desk of Likoni Sub-county Administrator, Mr. Salim Kingi, who was impressed by the professionalism and clarity of their request. He coordinated with the Department of Infrastructure at Mombasa County, which promptly conducted a site assessment. Within weeks, streetlights were installed throughout Vijiweni, illuminating the once-dangerous streets.

"When I received their letter, I knew this was a community ready to work with the government, not against it," Mr. Kingi shared. "Their advocacy was well-organized and backed by genuine concerns. I was proud to facilitate the installation of streetlights through my office."

The change was immediate and profound. Crime rates dropped, and residents could move safely at night. The youth group’s efforts earned them newfound respect and trust from their community.

Beyond the installation of streetlights, the civic education program changed how Vijiweni residents viewed local governance. They now understood the importance of participating in county budget hearings, submitting memorandums, and engaging with policy discussions such as the County Fiscal Strategy Paper (CFSP) and the Finance Bill.

Salim Kingi- Likoni Sub County Administrator

"Previously, people thought the government didn’t care," Mr. Kingi explained. "But the truth is, many didn’t know how to channel their concerns through the right platforms. Through Tuyazungumuze, we’ve created a bridge where the government and citizens can work together effectively." He added: "Since the project began, I’ve seen more community groups submit policy suggestions and participate in county forums. This shift toward active citizen engagement is exactly what we hoped for."

Today, the streets of Vijiweni shine brightly, not just with electric light but with the hope and determination of an empowered community. The residents have proven that when knowledge meets action, meaningful change is possible.

"Our streets are safer, and our youth are engaged in building a better future rather than falling into crime," Athman proudly stated. "We’ve learned that we are not just passive recipients of services — we are active stakeholders in our community’s development."

The success in Vijiweni serves as a powerful example of how civic education can transform not just infrastructure but entire communities. It shows that when citizens understand their rights and responsibilities, they can partner with the government to create lasting change.

Mr. Kingi summed it up best: "This is just the beginning. Vijiweni has shown that empowered communities are unstoppable. With more projects like Tuyazungumuze, we can light up not only our streets but also the future of our entire county."