National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), in partnership with European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) has begun the training of over 30 community leaders from Uasin Gishu County, who are set to be peace ambassadors during the electioneering period.
The community leaders, drawn from various sections of the society including teachers, faith leaders, and students, are expected to undergo a three-day training in Eldoret which will equip them with needed skills to foster cohesion.
NCIC senior officer, Isaac Munya said the peace ambassadors will be trained on how to effectively spread the message of peace and cohesion in their respective communities.
Munya indicated that NCIC has developed a road map outlining the roadblocks to peaceful elections and key to achieving the goals of the framework is to partner with state and non-state actors.
“We signed an MOU with ECES in 2021, and the main agenda of the agreement is to make sure that we have cohesion in Kenya especially now during the election period,” he added.
Uasin Gishu County has in the past experienced heated election disputes, leading to displacement of people and destruction of property.
On his part, ECES Deputy Project Coordinator, Manji Wilson said the partnership between NCIC and ECES is meant to deepen democratic governance in Kenya, with a specific focus on promoting cohesion and peace in the country.
Manji further informed that ECES has created a well thought out methodology known as the ‘preventing, mitigating and managing electoral conflicts’ designed towards inclusivity of key leaders and institutions in ensuring a peaceful election.
“Today we are here because we have gathered a group of transformational leaders, who are ready to ensure the elections are progressive, inclusive and well done,” he said.
By Brian Kipkenei
