Mediation is an effective way of resolving disputes without the need to go to court, involving an independent third party who helps both sides come to an agreement. It is a flexible process that can be used to settle disputes in a whole range of situations including potential triggers to violence in communities.

In order to improve the capacity of the members of the public to mitigate any conflicts arising from the forthcoming general elections, the Commission in partnership with other key stakeholder under the Uwiano Platform for Peace held a training session for 100 women mediators in Nakuru County from 21st to 22nd November, 2016.

The event brought together two women Mediators from each of the 47 counties who were trained on peace, conflict resolution, mediation and reconciliation in line with UN resolution 1325. The training was facilitated by NCIC’s Vice Chairperson, Mrs. Irene N. Wanyoike.

Cognizant of the pivotal role the youth play in nation building and the potential they have in making a difference in eliminating ethnic, racial and religious discrimination that continue to undermine cohesion and integration in Kenya, the Commission continues to support establishment of Amani Clubs in learning institutions. This is aimed at enhancing appreciation of diversity among young people in the schools and colleges. In order to review the achievements and challenges in the implementation of Clubs’ activities in 2016, The Commission convened a two-day consultative meeting in Nakuru Town from 24th to 25th November, 2016. The meeting brought together County/Regional Coordinators and National Officials of Amani Clubs. The meeting was officially opened by Commission’s Vice Chair, Mrs. Irene N. Wanyoike.

The Commission participated in the University Students Leaders’ Summit held from 23rd to 25th November, 2106 at the University of Nairobi, Main Campus. The aim of the Summit was to improve the capacity of youth leaders in implementing good governance principles in their institutions of learning.

The summit brought together a total of 100 student leaders, policy makers and researchers who deliberated on various challenges affecting the Youth within the institutions of higher learning. Some of the issues identified as major challenges facing the youth included student unrest, radicalisation and limitation to responsible participation in the National discourse. The participating institutions were University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Technical University of Kenya, Multi Media University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology, Strathmore, United States International University, Catholic University, KCA, Daystar University, Zetech, Mount Kenya University and Nairobi Institute of Business Studies. The summit was officially opened by Commission Chairman, Hon. Francis Ole Kaparo.

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST), The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) and Twaweza Communications; supported by Google Kenya have initiated a digital project that uses technology to advance for peaceful co-existence.

Themed ‘Be the Change: Unite for a Better Internet’, the project seeks to demonstrate how technology can be used to serve as a bridge between races, ethnicities, cultures and generations. It also aims at challenging ideas that breed intolerance in Kenya to allow students to appreciate diversity, practice non-violent ways of conflict resolution and promote working together for the wellbeing of communities.

The event was held on Tuesday, 7th February, 2017 at Louis Leakey Auditorium, National Museums of Kenya, Museum Hill, Nairobi.