On 20th April 2022 a delegation of National Cohesion and Integration Commission officials led by Commission secretary Dr. Skitter Ocharo participated in the Kisii University 8th Annual Cultural Festival 2022, themed “Youths as Agents of Peace, Inclusivity & Value-Based Cultural Integration”.
The event brought together Kisii University students, campus officials, partners and other guests with an agenda to bring students from different communities to showcase their culture and use it to lobby for peace during the coming electioneering period. The three-day event was filled with performance from all communities across the country, showcasing sports, music, games, scouting and many more student related activities.
Speaking during the official opening of the festival, the NCIC CEO Dr. Skitter Ocharo who was the chief guest lauded the University for providing a platform for students to showcase their art as well as promote diversity in a bid to preach peace.
NCIC CEO Dr. Skitter Ocharo joins Maasai Dancers on the stage during the Kisii University 8th Annual Cultural Festival 2022
In her remarks, the CEO called on the university management to establish a Peace Club to give a voice and a stage for students to nurture cohesion as well as peaceful co-existence in the institution.
“Universities and other institutions of learning should be in the frontline in preaching peace, and conflict prevention in advance, and to educate individuals and the society for peaceful co-existence on the basis of nonviolence, tolerance, equality, respect for diversity and social justice,” said Dr. Ocharo.
Her words were reiterated by other speakers who urged the students to use the platforms given and their voices to champion for peace and harmony in the country.
The event was also graced by the Vice Chancellor Kisii University Professor John S Akama, Dean of Students Dr. Gladys Osoro, NYC representative Varidiana Wasike, KSU Council Chair Mildred Mudanyi, representatives from Beyond Zero, and Mr. Johnson Nanjakululu who on behalf of the State Department for University Education and Research represented Amb. Simon Nabukwesi who sent his apologies for not being able to attend.
