By: Saka Were Rosemary
The International Day of Peace (IDoP), celebrated globally every 21st day of September, offers a unique opportunity for Kenyans to join the rest of the world in pursuit of peace. As a custodian of peace and cohesion, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) spearheaded commemorations in Kenya, to amplify this year’s theme, “Cultivating a Culture of Peace.”
NCIC held impactful activities in collaboration with national Government, County governments, and partners with pre-event, on-the-day celebrations, and post-event engagement to foster a deeper commitment to peace. The main celebration was held at Kishaunet Showground in Kapenguria, West Pokot County on 21st Sept 2024. Parallel activities took place in Nairobi, Nakuru, Kisumu, Migori, Mombasa, Marsabit, Samburu, and Garissa.
Activities included media interviews and digital campaigns, Amani Club Coordinators training in Kitale on 7th and 8th Sept, stakeholders breakfast meeting in Nairobi on 18th Sept, religious leaders’ forum in West Pokot on 19th Sept, Amani Club launch and tree planting at Chewoyet National School West Pokot on 20th Sept, main events across the regions on 21st Sept and inter-denominational prayers at Makutano School in Kapenguria West Pokot on 22nd Sept 2024.
During the stakeholders' breakfast meeting, the Commission unveiled the Trans- generational Conversations; the Quest for Political Decency and Accountability in Kenya 2024. This platform is intended to address pertinent issues hindering Kenya’s progress while creating a conducive environment where dialogue between generations can thrive. The overall objective of the transgenerational conversations is to empower diverse peace actors to initiate and sustain initiatives aimed at fostering common understanding, conflict resolution, and social cohesion within Kenyan communities.
On 19th September 2024, the inter-religious community in West Pokot County met at Reformed Churches of East Africa to deliberate on the role of religious leaders in achieving sustainable peace in the region. The meeting brought together religious institutions including the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), FPFK, SUPKEM, West Pokot Bishops Fellowship, Pokot Pastors Network, and Inter-denominational Forum. They recognized the role played by partners and stakeholders in conflict resolution, and committed to work with them and play their role in peace-building in the North Rift region.
They called on National and County Governments, and non-Governmental institutions to engage religious leaders in peace-building programs. The religious leaders requested the Government to address conflict drivers in the North Rift region, including banditry, boundary issues, natural resources, scarcity of water and pasture, and political incitement among others.
The curtains closed on the International Day of Peace 2024 celebrations, with inter- denominational prayers at Makutano Primary School, in Kapenguria, West Pokot County on 22nd Sept 2024, where NCIC Chairman Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia was the Chief Guest.
“Making peace does not mean avoiding conflict. A conflict avoided is a conflict postponed. A conflict postponed is a conflict made much worse and becomes much more difficult and costly to resolve. NCIC is ready to partner with Counties, to create a platform for trans- generational conversations, starting with West Pokot," said Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia. The NCIC delegation led by Rev. Dr. Kobia and Commissioner Kedogo paid a courtesy call to the NCIC regional office in Kapenguria, West Pokot.
IDoP 2024 CELEBRATIONS PHOTO SPEAK
NCIC Chairman Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia and Commissioner Dorcas Kedogo at Kishaunet Show Ground in West Pokot during IDoP celebrations on 21st Sept 2024.
NCIC Deputy Director Ms. Jane Kamau, during IDoP peace procession flag-off at Shabab Grounds in Nakuru County on 21st Sept 2024.
NCIC Commissioner Farah Abdulaziz and Chairman Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia awarding peace champions at IDoP celebrations in Marsabit and West Pokot Counties on 21st Sept 2024.
NCIC Commissioner Farah Abdulaziz at IDoP celebrations in Marsabit County on 21st Sept 2024.
Transgenerational Conversations booklet unveiling at Kishaunet Show Ground in West Pokot on 21st Sept 2024 during IDoP celebrations.
West Pokot Governor, Simon Kachapin with NCIC Chairman Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia, Commissioner Dorcas Kedogo, Director Millicent Okatch, Deputy Director Olive Metet during the IDoP Peace procession at Makutano, West Pokot County on 21st Sept 2024.
NCIC Commissioner Dr. Danvas Makori during IDoP celebrations at St. John’s Amphitheater in Korogocho Nairobi County on 21st Sept 2024.
NCIC Deputy Director Jessica Otieno, awarding the winning team during IDoP celebrations at Mwahima Show Ground in Mombasa on 21st Sept 2024.
NCIC Commissioner Philip Okundi during IDoP celebrations in Migori County on 21stSept 2024
NCIC Commissioner Philip Okundi and NCIC team at the office of Migori Deputy Governor, Dr.
Mahiri Joseph on 21st Sept 2024.
IDoP celebrations in Modagashe Town in Garissa County on 21st Sept 2024.
IDoP celebrations in Kisumu County on 21st Sept 2024.
IDoP celebrations in Samburu County on 21st Sept 2024.
Launch of Amani Club and tree planting at Chewoyet National School in Kapenguria, West Pokot on 20th Sept 2024.
NCIC Chairman Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia, Commissioner Dorcas Kedogo, and NCIC team during a courtesy call to West Pokot Governor, Simon Kachapin at his residence in Kapenguria, West Pokot County on 20th Sept 2024.
Inter-religious leaders’ forum on 19th Sept 2024 in Kapenguria West Pokot County.
#IDoP2024
#AmaniKwaGround
