As part of its preparations for peaceful 2017 General Elections, the Commission hosted the first phase of peace and economic empowerment forums dubbed ‘Kenya Kwanza’ in Homa Bay County. With the aim of enhancing youth and women participation in peace building among communities, the activities were conducted from 14th to 17th September, 2016, targeting the youth, women and opinion leaders from Homa Bay town, Ndhiwa and Mbita Sub-Counties.

The programme of activities commenced at Seek Environmental Educational Centre Mbita, with the sensitisation of women on social/ethnic audits, national values, hate speech laws and opportunities for economic growth. The participants were encouraged to utilise the available opportunities to empower themselves economically and play a key role in promotion of peace and cohesion in the Country.

The Commission then hosted the Homa Bay County Peace and Accountability forum where the participants were sensitised on grass-root peace building initiatives, hate speech legislations, national values, social and ethnic audits, Affirmative Action and Uwezo Funds for equal opportunities. The event was held on 15th September, 2016 at ACK Guest House. Among the dignitaries in attendance were the NCIC Commissioners, Representative from Homa Bay County Government and the Ag. County Commissioner, Homa Bay.