The Commission is participating and supporting the National Cohesion and Integration week and International Conference at the Karatina University, Nyeri County. The conference, which spans from 26^th to 28^th May 2021, is anchored in the National Cohesion and Integration Commission Act section (25)(e) that seeks to promote respect for culture, religion and other forms of diversity in the society. The objectives of the conference are to:

• Promote peace building and conflict resolution through integration and cultural interaction
• Provide a forum for scholars to interact and exchange ideas on cultural diversity
• Examine issues of cohesion, integration, and cultural diversity locally, regionally, and globally; and to
• Disseminate and share current knowledge on cohesion, integration, and cultural diversity

NCIC Vice Chairperson, Commissioner Wambui Nyutu, OGW giving a keynote address during the conference

Speaking during the forum, NCIC Vice Chairperson, Commissioner Wambui Nyutu, OGW emphasized on the role of universities in promoting culture, cohesion and integration in Kenya. According to her, ‘universities are expected to play a significant role in the development of cultural values not only through formal education, but by also opening up opportunities for informal and non-formal engagements. Universities are vital for creating cohesive and tolerant communities’.

Through the theme ‘Promoting National Cohesion and Integration: Our Cultural Diversity, Our Heritage, Our strength’ the conference draws participants from various African countries including Israel, Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya, among others. The target audience include the academia, youth/students, researches and scholars.

Also in attendance from NCIC include the Acting Director Programmes, Dr. Sellah King’oro and NCIC Assistant Director for Civic Education and Advocacy, Mr. Killian Nyambu.