Understanding Community-led and Collaborative Responses to Covid-19 in Nairobi
Date
2022-06Author
Sverdlik, Alice
Ernstson, Henrik
Wairutu, Jane
Waithaka, Jackie
Metadata
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Abstract
Grassroots and civil society groups in Nairobi significantly contributed to raising
awareness about Covid-19 by using several creative strategies that can
usefully complement official risk communication strategies.
An array of non-state actors – including community health volunteers (CHVs),
private firms, youth, women’s, faith-based and refugee-led organisations – were
also key in assisting marginalised residents, but these efforts would benefit
considerably from additional governmental support and recognition.
Collaborations between state and non-state actors took various forms but
were typically emergency responses (such as providing cash or food
assistance), which did not necessarily adopt a strategic, longer-term approach
to address urban poverty and deprivation.
Other emerging interventions – such as to counter police brutality, support
multi-sectoral upgrading and engage constructively with informality – may open
newfound possibilities of more lasting, equitable change.