The challenge of negative ethnicity in institutions of higher learning is often characterised by students grouping into tribal alliances for political mobilization. This is a dangerous trend as it poses serious threats to cohesion as the country gears towards the 2017 General Election. To mitigate the effects of such groupings, The Commission in partnerships with the Inter – Regional Peace Network (IRPN) convened a University Students Peace Forum, dubbed the “Beyond Tribe” campaign. The event was held at Technical University, Mombasa 18th November, 2016. The initiative was aimed at cultivating a sense of patriotism among the youth in the universities and colleges by building a long-term youth mentorship and empowerment programmes for sustainable peace and development. The Commission was represented in the event by Commissioners Belinda Ochiel and Prof. Gitile Naituli.

The Commission participated in the University Students Leaders’ Summit held from 23rd to 25th November, 2106 at the University of Nairobi, Main Campus. The aim of the Summit was to improve the capacity of youth leaders in implementing good governance principles in their institutions of learning.

The summit brought together a total of 100 student leaders, policy makers and researchers who deliberated on various challenges affecting the Youth within the institutions of higher learning. Some of the issues identified as major challenges facing the youth included student unrest, radicalisation and limitation to responsible participation in the National discourse. The participating institutions were University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Technical University of Kenya, Multi Media University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology, Strathmore, United States International University, Catholic University, KCA, Daystar University, Zetech, Mount Kenya University and Nairobi Institute of Business Studies. The summit was officially opened by Commission Chairman, Hon. Francis Ole Kaparo.

Mediation is an effective way of resolving disputes without the need to go to court, involving an independent third party who helps both sides come to an agreement. It is a flexible process that can be used to settle disputes in a whole range of situations including potential triggers to violence in communities.

In order to improve the capacity of the members of the public to mitigate any conflicts arising from the forthcoming general elections, the Commission in partnership with other key stakeholder under the Uwiano Platform for Peace held a training session for 100 women mediators in Nakuru County from 21st to 22nd November, 2016.

The event brought together two women Mediators from each of the 47 counties who were trained on peace, conflict resolution, mediation and reconciliation in line with UN resolution 1325. The training was facilitated by NCIC’s Vice Chairperson, Mrs. Irene N. Wanyoike.

Cognizant of the pivotal role the youth play in nation building and the potential they have in making a difference in eliminating ethnic, racial and religious discrimination that continue to undermine cohesion and integration in Kenya, the Commission continues to support establishment of Amani Clubs in learning institutions. This is aimed at enhancing appreciation of diversity among young people in the schools and colleges. In order to review the achievements and challenges in the implementation of Clubs’ activities in 2016, The Commission convened a two-day consultative meeting in Nakuru Town from 24th to 25th November, 2016. The meeting brought together County/Regional Coordinators and National Officials of Amani Clubs. The meeting was officially opened by Commission’s Vice Chair, Mrs. Irene N. Wanyoike.