By Sharon Kiburi
Salim Juma is the director of the Kamukunji Community Peace Network (KACPEN) a community organization that works in Majengo which is one of the Slums in Nairobi, Kenya. It is here he has vowed to prevent violent extremism. He speaks to Sharon Kiburi a freelance journalist about his motivations and triumphs among the chaos.
“My parent’s active involvement in my life helped turn me to into the man of service I am today in my community”, says Salim.
Adding “My mother wanted me to study, while my father wanted me to work and support the family.”
Salim is a husband, a father and a community leader in Majengo. Where he runs a community organization at 30 years.
After O levels he worked in several industrial area companies before joining Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
While growing up his parents played a very active role in imparting religious values that have helped him have the passion of helping his community, Salim says.
“I grew up in Majengo at Mashimoni. I am the firstborn among five children, three boys, and two girls. I began to take up responsibility at a young age while looking after my siblings.”
Salim’s father was a car wash attendant and sometimes a taxi driver while his mother was a stay home Mom. Growing up with both parents for Salim was a privilege because it was not the norm in the Slums
The passion for peace and fighting extremism began from his experience when he lost friends. Friends that he went to Madrasa and school with and now most are either languishing in jails across the country, hiding or dead.
Poverty, ignorance, and desire for better lives were tools that the youth in his neighborhood exploited to aid in propagating the narratives for a promising tomorrow.
Salim says he struggled through University, he lacked tuition fees. He also faced the stigma of living in Majengo slums which are known for extreme violence.
Although most of the discrimination was subtle, during his internship it was more pronounced when he would often hear in conversations from students concerning Majengo on killings and promiscuity.
“This prevented me from acknowledging that I came from Majengo until I finished my studies as I felt it would lead to more discrimination”.
Now that he is in advocacy he has met some of his former schoolmates who still do not believe that he grew up in Majengo.
As the Executive Director of Kamukunji Community Peace Network (KACPEN) which was started in 2018 works on countering biased narrative and preventing extreme violence.
Salim was awarded the state commendation award by President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2018 for his good fight against extreme violence.
He playfully recalls how misperceptions could have cost him the love of his life as she came from a neighboring community called California.
“I recall after a few dates with my girlfriend then now wife the conversations were getting deeper beyond the jokes and current affairs. She asked where I lived and upon saying Majengo her once glowing face almost turned pale as if to signify this was the end of the road. She was skeptical about being involved with someone from Majengo due to reputation”.
Adding “She had a lot of questions which I tried to answer in a way that to convince her that I was a good person. Her family gave me grief when I went to ask for her hand in Marriage they questioned me from my work, my religious beliefs, education and ability to provide for their daughter. It was an uphill task but love won at a last. My wife is very supportive in my work she believes I am doing God’s work in service to my community despite the dangers”.
Salim says he is happy with the projects that KACPEN has conducted in the community that has created a great impact in highlighting a sense of urgency fighting extreme violence and promote peace.
” We achieve it through informing and teaching people of the correct Koran doctrine with an emphasis on tolerance towards fellow human beings and faiths,” says Salim.
Some of our projects also iron out stereotypes as well as bring inclusivity we embrace Pastors and Imams, artists, women empowerment influencers to promoting alternative narratives of peaceful coexistence.
Our platforms allow the members of our community to interact freely during functions and events aiding tolerance.
“I think the Islam faith is under attack by a terrorist? Maybe there is a need to defend what Islam stands for?” he says.
KACPEN is seeking partnerships with groups that can help the residence of Majengo grow economically, as well assist the community members with include application to access Uwezo fund, women fund, Youth fund and help in registering business processes.
Salim’s parting shot “For something valuable one has to jump some hoops. The important thing is not to be discouraged even when things do not go as expected”.
