The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) Chair Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia has reiterated the need for a trans-generational conversation towards achieving peace in Kenya and throughout the world.
Speaking during a breakfast meeting held at the West Pokot governor’s residence in preparation for the 25th Anniversary of International Day of Peace to be held in the County on Saturday September 21st, Rev. Dr. Kobia underscored the essence of having children and youth inculcated into the culture of embracing peace.
He said that once one generation hands over peace to the other then the whole community breathes peace which is essential for any meaningful development.
“Amani clubs are now there at various high schools in Kenya and NCIC decided that it is important to build peace at an early level. We also have such initiatives in colleges and universities with classes focusing on peace,” stated Dr. Kobia
Dr. Kobia commended the religious communities, elders among other partners whom he said have helped in championing peace within the country.
He called on the Gen Z whom he noted sometimes get agitated easily, to join the older generation in discussing matters of peace for a cohesive society.
Secretary Peace-building Mohamed Barre reiterated that the best peace hinged on common understanding amongst all generations adding that peace built on armed approaches is never sustainable.
He said relying on elders alone to discuss matters of peace was not sustainable hence everyone, especially children and young people should take a notable role.
“Peace has for a long time been associated with the elders. A person aged 60 years has lived out their life therefore, peace should be the concern for the ones being born today, the youth hence schools have to be engaged a great deal,” said Mr. Barre.
Barre, who underscored the value of peace in fostering development added that he may not subscribe to the Swahili saying that ‘Amani haiji ila kwa ncha ya upanga’ because such will always demand that arms are used to get peace which is dangerous.
Governor Simon Kachapin termed the choice of West Pokot as a privilege since it has been misunderstood as a county full of conflicts.
“We have very few isolated cases of insecurity otherwise the entire county is very safe and enjoys utmost peace. As a county the choice for us to host the day we shall not take it for granted,” he emphasized.
He said generally the county is peaceful and assured all Kenyans that they will enjoy it when they visit the county that has several untapped opportunities adding that there are so many economic activities being undertaken.
“There are so many good things that our visitors can sample ranging from farming activities along the highlands. It is important as a county and a country that as we inculcate the culture of peace, we involve several stakeholders and I am happy that we are involving our institutions of learning,” stated Kachapin.
He mentioned the historical sites such as the Kapenguria Six colonial prison and the Nasolot National Reserve as other outstanding treasures that the county is proud of.
Governor Kachapin hailed the NCIC chair Samuel Kobia for standing firm on matters of peace and national cohesion in the country together with the religious communities for preaching peace all though.
By Richard Muhambe
