By Ali Gofa
On November 20th, 2025, our team journeyed to the Thumaita West Chief’s Camp in Kirinyaga County. We were heading out to launch a vital Community Engagement Session aimed at crime awareness, a collaborative effort between Crime Si Poa’s Communities Program and the Kirinyaga Patriots CBO (Community-Based Organization). This strategic partnership sparked from a recommendation by the NACADA Central Region office, which pointed the CBO in our direction when they sought ways to mitigate rampant drug and substance abuse in the county. Because the Kirinyaga Patriots have established leadership across every single ward, they provide the perfect, trusted bridge directly into the community.
Our collaboration began with intensive leadership training for 18 local CBO leaders. The goal was simple: to equip them to become catalysts for change. Today, these leaders don’t just help organize large-scale awareness campaigns; they actively conduct one-on-one sessions within their neighborhoods. The true power of this grassroots approach was evident at our inaugural session in Thumaita West. Gathering 39 residents for a first-time event was a strong start, made even better by the presence of the local Assistant Chief and Madam Grace, an officer from the County Gender Department
Sharing the early success of the initiative, Mr. Makanga, the CBO Chairman, noted: “Crime Si Poa has heavily boosted our fight against substance abuse. They trained our leaders to combat this vice directly. As a result, our team is on the ground daily. For instance, Mr. Nyaga, our representative for Thumaita West, has been consistently engaging a section of local youths, not only discouraging abuse but guiding them toward responsible living.”
A representative addresses Thumaita West residents on crime awareness and substance abuse prevention during the collaborative outreach session.
Representing Crime Si Poa alongside Central Region Program Officer Yvonne Slesio, I had the opportunity to speak on the devastating consequences of substance abuse on individuals and the wider community. I also urged the crowd to embrace restorative justice by warmly welcoming back reintegrated citizens. A lack of community acceptance remains one of the primary drivers of high recidivism (reoffending) rates.
The local administration offered their full backing. In his address, the Assistant Chief stated: “As a representative of the government, I welcome Crime Si Poa and the CBO to Thumaita West. We are grateful you are supporting government efforts by instilling deterrence through crime awareness. I promise to fully back your activities in this area.”
Madam Grace from the County Gender Department echoed these sentiments: “Your work perfectly aligns with the objectives of the county government. We are highly impressed by your impact and look forward to collaborating further to fight gender-based violence and other crimes across Kirinyaga.”
As the session concluded, it was clear that this outreach is only the beginning of a transformative movement. Fueled by the unwavering commitment of local CBO leaders and strong partnerships with county and administrative offices, the vision of a crime-free society is being driven by the community itself.