Event Report: Community Baraza
Project: Community Engagement Forum
Date: 26th March 2026
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 4:40 p.m.
Organiser: Retizen Organization
Total Participants: 112 Community Members and Invited Guests

1.0 Purpose and Objectives
On Thursday, 26th March 2026, Retizen Organization facilitated a community baraza aimed at
strengthening engagement between local leadership and community members. The primary objective
of the forum was to provide an open platform for residents to express their concerns, share challenges,
and receive guidance from relevant authorities, while also promoting civic awareness and community
cohesion.

2.0 Overview / Executive Summary
The baraza brought together a total of 112 participants, including community members, invited
guests, local administration, and security personnel. Among the key attendees were the area Chief and
Assistant Chief, the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) accompanied by two police officers, the
MCA’s Personal Assistant, and village elders. Although the meeting had initially been scheduled to
begin at 10:00 a.m. and conclude at 1:00 p.m., it was rescheduled to start at 2:00 p.m. and ended at
4:40 p.m. due to the Chief attending another official engagement earlier in the day. Despite the delay,
the session proceeded successfully and achieved its intended purpose.

3.0 Detailed Description of Activities
The baraza was conducted in an orderly and participatory manner, with community members actively
engaging in discussions. Residents were given the opportunity to openly express the various social,
economic, and security challenges affecting them. The Chief addressed the gathering and delivered a
comprehensive speech encouraging citizens to prioritize acquiring their National Identification Cards
and to prepare for the upcoming electoral process by registering as voters. The session also benefited
from contributions by the Kenya Red Cross team, who educated the community on important
humanitarian and health-related issues, adding significant value to the discussions.
Additionally, the event attracted media coverage from NTV and Nyota TV, who joined the session
while it was ongoing. The media teams conducted interviews with selected community members, the
Chief, and the Organization’s Director, which contributed positively to the visibility and credibility of
the initiative.

4.0 Participation Summary
Participation during the baraza was commendable, with strong representation from the community
and local leadership. The presence of key stakeholders, including security personnel and
administrative officers, enhanced the quality of engagement and ensured that concerns raised were
addressed effectively. Community members demonstrated willingness to participate, openly sharing
their views and engaging constructively throughout the session.

5.0 Key Achievements and Outputs
The baraza successfully created a platform for dialogue between the community and leadership,
fostering trust and mutual understanding. Key achievements included increased awareness on the
importance of national identification and voter registration, enhanced community knowledge through
the Red Cross engagement, and strengthened relationships between stakeholders. The presence of
media houses further amplified the impact of the event by highlighting the organization’s work and
community initiatives.

6.0 Challenges and Mitigation
One of the main challenges experienced was the delay in the commencement of the meeting due to
prior official commitments by the Chief. However, this was effectively managed by adjusting the
schedule, and the session was still conducted successfully. Additionally, minor commotion arose
during the distribution of refreshments, as some participants expressed concerns over quantity. This
situation was handled professionally by the organizing team, ensuring order was restored promptly
without any injuries or major disruptions.

7.0 Feedback and Observations
Feedback from participants and stakeholders was overwhelmingly positive. Community members
expressed appreciation for being given a platform to voice their concerns, while local leaders,
including the Chief and the OCS, commended the organization for its efforts in supporting both the
community and youth initiatives. Observations indicated a strong need for continued engagement
forums, as many participants encouraged the organization to organize more such barazas in the future.

8.0 Evidence and Documentation
Evidence of the baraza has been duly documented and will be attached to this report for verification
and record purposes. This includes printed attendance sheets containing the names and signatures of
all participants who were present during the forum. These documents serve to confirm the successful
implementation of the activity and provide a reliable record of participation and engagement.

9.0 Conclusion
The community baraza held on 26th March 2026 was a success despite initial scheduling challenges.
The active participation, effective coordination, and meaningful engagement between stakeholders
contributed to a productive and impactful session. The event reinforced the importance of community
dialogue and demonstrated the positive role that organized forums play in addressing local issues and
promoting development. Retizen Organization remains committed to continuing such initiatives to
empower communities and strengthen grassroots engagement.