On the 2nd of June 2020, the GENS Nairobi research team from the University of Nairobi met with potential stakeholders from Mathare informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya. The meeting aimed to kickstart the stakeholder engagement process by introducing GENS research to community leaders from Mathare. In a two-hour meeting, the participants explored the diverse range of stakeholders in Mathare and the methods that we could use to engage with them in GENS research. Throughout the discussion, the Mathare community leaders demonstrated a willingness to work with the GENS Nairobi team.
The GENS team also gained valuable insights into the complex governance structure within Mathare, which is a mix of formal and informal sub-structures. In a follow-up research meeting, the team used these insights to lay the groundwork for engaging with the Mathare community. In line with GENS research objectives, the Nairobi team will continue to engage with stakeholders from Mathare, as well as from energy policy, and expert communities in Kenya. As always, the team will adhere to the safety measures on the COVID 19 pandemic provided by Kenya’s national ministry of health.