The National Cohesion and Integration Commission, (NCIC), has partnered with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), to train peace actors from Kisumu and Nandi.
Prior to the August 9th General Elections, the partnership aims to increase the capacity of peace actors to quickly respond to any emerging issues along the volatile borders of the two counties.
Liban Guyo, NCIC’s Deputy Director-In Charge of Peace Building and Reconciliation, stated that the training aims to strengthen the existing Conflict Early Warning and Response System (EWER) system for the two countries as the elections date nears.
Guyo, speaking at the opening of the training at the Kisumu Hotel, stated that the engagement also aims increase linkages between the two counties to ensure peaceful cooperation between communities living along both the border and after the general election.
The meeting brought together peace activists and leaders from Muhoroni, Kisumu, and Tinderet (Nandi), sub-counties to reflect on the achievements in ensuring peace in this area.
The border between the two counties was identified as a violent hot spot during elections over the years.
Esther Oyugi (Tinderet Deputy Commissioner) said that several meetings were held with various stakeholders from both counties to ensure peace.
“We have had engagements with women, Boda boda operators and other actors in the private and public sector, to ensure that peace prevails during and after the elections,” she said.
She expressed optimism that the area will soon be removed from the country’s list of violence hotspots.
She added that the Government had taken all necessary measures to ensure peace in the area during the general elections.
Bishop Elijah Onyango of Muhoroni Sub-County Peace Committee praised the concerted efforts to improve peaceful coexistence in the region, saying it will help boost the livelihoods for the locals.
Bishop Onyango called on the Luo and Nandi communities to maintain dialogue along the common border in order to preserve the peace gains in the region.
Phillip Towet, Chairman of Nandi County People with Disability, asked peace actors to urge all political aspirants in this area to preach peace during campaigns against narratives that have in past caused violence.
According to NCIC Kisumu is ranked fourth (4) and Nandi fourteen as the most likely counties to experience violence in the country ahead of the elections.
By Chris Mahandara
Source: kenyanews