The absence or inefficiency of public security institutions in low income informal settlements has led to proliferation of multiple ‘alternative’ mechanisms to provide security. The alternatives range from vigilantes and criminal gangs, to ethnic militia and private security companies. In the East African region, various strands of community policing have been promoted to enhance public participation and collaboration with the police to prevent and respond to crime. This report documents alternative ‘community-led’ security mechanisms that have organically evolved as self-help measures to protect residents from spiraling crime in urban informal settlements.