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Building Inclusive Cities: NCBA at KARA’s 25th Anniversary
Cleaner, safer, and more inclusive cities do not happen by accident. They are built through intention, partnership, and the shared belief that communities matter.
This message took centre stage at the Kenya Alliance of Resident Associations (KARA) 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner, where stakeholders came together to reflect on the past and reimagine the future of Kenya’s urban spaces.
The milestone event brought together government leaders, private sector partners, development agencies, and civil society organisations. It was both a celebration of progress and a call to action on the role each sector must play in shaping cities that work for everyone.
For 25 years, KARA has stood at the forefront of resident-led advocacy in Kenya. As the country’s apex resident association body, it has championed good governance, sustainable urban development, and meaningful community participation. Its work has helped ensure that urban planning is not just a technical process, but a people-centred one.
Collaboration as the Foundation of Sustainable Cities
Speaking as the Guest Speaker, NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora underscored the importance of collaboration in addressing the pressures of rapid urbanisation. He noted that no single actor can solve the challenges facing cities today.
“KARA’s work is vital, but rapid urbanisation cannot be tackled by residents, government, or the private sector alone. We must weave our efforts together,” he said, challenging partners in the room to move beyond isolated interventions toward shared solutions.
Gachora reminded the audience that cities are living ecosystems shaped by the people and businesses within them. “A city is not just a map drawn by planners. It is a living, breathing ecosystem. Its energy and creativity come from the people who call it home,” he said.
He also encouraged local businesses to take simple, practical steps to improve shared spaces. Small changes, such as cleaner streets, more benches, and greener neighbourhoods, can significantly improve the vibrancy and liveability of residential areas.
Building Inclusive Cities: NCBA at KARA’s 25th Anniversary
NCBA’s Commitment to Greener, People-Centred Cities
NCBA’s participation in the celebration reflected its broader commitment to sustainable urbanisation under the #NCBAChangeTheStory agenda. The Bank continues to support initiatives that improve quality of life while addressing real urban challenges.
Through partnerships with communities and residents’ associations, NCBA aims to plant 10 million trees by 2030. This goal aligns with its vision of helping cities grow greener and more resilient, while empowering citizens to take ownership of their environments.
“Our mission to make customers’ lives easier drives our commitment to KARA and others promoting sustainable urbanisation,” Gachora said. “At the same time, it allows us to highlight both the opportunities and the challenges shaping our cities.”
Beyond advocacy, NCBA is investing in practical solutions that help cities thrive. These include innovations such as Nyumba Zetu, Solar PV Leasing, NCBA Easy Build, and the Washloan offering. Together, these solutions support affordable housing, clean energy adoption, improved sanitation, and sustainable construction.
A Call to Citizen Action
As the evening drew to a close, the message was clear. Building better cities is not the responsibility of institutions alone. It starts with everyday citizens.
Gachora urged Kenyans to reflect on their own neighbourhoods and ask a simple but powerful question: What role can I play in shaping the future of the place I call home?
Echoing the words of Chinua Achebe, he reminded the audience that action matters most before problems escalate. If water rises to your ankle, that is the moment to act, not when it reaches your neck.
As KARA marks 25 years of advocacy and impact, the anniversary stands as a reminder that inclusive cities are built through shared responsibility. When communities, businesses, and institutions work together, cities do more than grow. They thrive.
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