The Commission acknowledges the important role of youth in promoting peace and national cohesion. For sustainable peace and reconciliation to be realised, it is important that youth are involved in the peace building process.
The Commission held a forum in Kisumu on 6th to 8th November 2018, with an aim of sensitising the locals of Kisumu County on UN Security Council Resolution 2250 (UNSCR 2250) National Healing, Reconciliation and Peaceful Coexistence and carry out an evaluation on the status of peace after elections in the County.
UNSCR 2250 stems from an inclusive process in which young people, have space to express their demands and needs concerning their participation in policies and programs for peace and security, and to a large extent, the resolution incorporates them in key areas such as; Participation of young people in decision making, Protection against conflict, Prevention of violence, Partnership with agencies and organizations, Reintegration of programs and finally to Follow up on the progress study of young people’s positive contribution to peace processes.
The results were successful as it reached out to at least 87 participants- 60 male and 27 female and other stakeholders from the County.
Ms. Olive Metet, Assistant Director, Communication and Knowledge Management, NCIC noted that youth are today’s leaders and hence should strive to become peace ambassadors. She recognized that Kisumu youth are receptive as they are always ready to work, learn and share experiences generously in the society.
Mr. Richard Nderitu, Senior Program Officer, Civic Education and Advocacy department, NCIC addressed the participants’ concerns adding that the Commission is not against peaceful demonstrations, but it is against lives lost during the demonstrations that are as a result of political rivalry. He urged the youth to look for the constitution and equip themselves emphasizing on the need to work together regardless of religion or ethnic background.
The 3-day forum used participatory processes by allowing the participants to inclusively engage in dialogue and develop ways of diffusing or rectifying exclusionary practices and poor governance that may have been the main cause of violence outbreak in the County.
The forums were meant to prepare the locals of Kisumu County on UNSCR 2250 National Healing, Reconciliation and Peaceful Coexistence and carry out an evaluation on the status of peace after elections in the County.
