Koyonzo Boys Secondary School Hosts Spirited Amani Club National Debate Championship
Commissioner Hon. Dorcas Kedogo and Commissioner Hon Eng. Philip Okundi EBS, during Amani Club National Debate Championship in Kakamega County on Monday 5th August 2024
Kakamega County, Koyonzo Boys Secondary School buzzed with excitement as it hosted the fourth edition of the Amani Club National Debate Championship from August 4th to 8th, 2024. This significant event, organized by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) in partnership with the Ministry of Education (MoE), and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), convened the young minds from across Kenya for a week of intellectual rigor and spirited discourse.
The first day set the stage for the competition with the registration of teams, training for judges, and a comprehensive briefing for the debaters. As the participants gathered, there was a palpable sense of anticipation in the air. The Amani Clubs, a flagship initiative of the NCIC, aim to cultivate good relations and promote peaceful coexistence among students and their surrounding communities. These clubs serve as platforms for dialogue, encouraging students from diverse backgrounds to engage in open and honest discussions. The goal is to build trust, dispel stereotypes, and foster an environment of mutual respect and understanding.
Day two was marked by a vibrant peace procession that wound through the school grounds, followed by the official opening ceremony. Commissioner Hon. Dorcas Kedogo, underscored the Amani Club’s critical role in promoting
Chewoyet Highschool the winners of the Kiswahili Debate during the Amani Club National Debate Championship at Kakamega County on Wednesday, 7th August 2024.
national unity and social cohesion. “Amani Club is a powerful tool for advancing peace and cohesion,” Hon. Kedogo declared, rallying the students with a resounding chant, “Amani Idumu, idumu milele.” This enthusiastic call for lasting peace set the tone for the debates that would follow.
In the afternoon the first motion tackled was, “This house resolves that peace education be made essential in all learning institutions.” This debate motion was particularly significant as it aligned with the NCIC’s mission to foster national unity and combat ethnic discrimination. By promoting for the integration of peace education into school curriculums, the proposal aimed to enhance understanding and respect among students from different ethnic backgrounds, equipping them with valuable conflict resolution skills.
The competition heated up on the third day as debaters progressed through Round three, the Round of 16, and the Quarter Finals. The intensity of the arguments reflected the seriousness with which the students approached the issues at hand. The day also featured an enlightening session by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), which addressed the pressing issue of drug abuse among youth. This session provided students with crucial insights into the dangers of substance abuse and its impact on their lives and communities.
As the championship reached its peak on the fourth day, the semi-finals and finals showcased the culmination of the participants’ hard work and dedication. The competition was fierce, with Butere Girls emerging as the champions in the English Debate Competition, and Chewoyet High School taking home the trophy for the Kiswahili Debate Competition. The last day also comprised a presentation by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), which shed light on the contemporary issue of online radicalization and its effects on society.
The closing ceremony was a moment of celebration and recognition. The Youth, Arts, Development & Entrepreneurship Network (YADEN) presented a trophy to the NCIC, which was gratefully accepted by Commissioner Eng. Phillip Okundi and Commissioner Hon. Dorcas Kedogo. Both commissioners underscored the importance of dialogue in fostering peace and unity, and they appointed standout debaters as peace ambassadors for their communities. This role recognizes the students’ contributions to promoting understanding and harmony. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates and trophies by Mr. Killian Nyambu, Deputy Director of Public Outreach and Education Development.
As the event drew to a close, Commissioner Eng. Phillip Okundi praised the debaters for their dedication to peace and cohesion. “Your participation and insightful arguments have demonstrated the power of dialogue in building mutual understanding,” he said.
The fourth edition of the Amani Club National Debate Championship thus concluded on a high note, marking a successful culmination of an initiative that not only celebrated the art of debate but also reinforced the spirit of unity and peace among Kenya’s youth. Through their engagement and commitment, the participants have set a powerful example of how constructive dialogue can bridge divides and foster a more inclusive and harmonious society.
