The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) in partnership with Interpeace Kenya have trained peace actors in Laikipia West Sub County, Laikipia County.
The training targets to build capacity for the peace actors to respond swiftly to any emerging issues, to prevent, mitigate and manage election related conflict and violence in Laikipia County ahead of the August 9th General Election.
NCIC Research Facilitator in the North Rift region, Alex Lekaram, said the training aims at strengthening peace and cohesion in the region as the election date draws near.
Speaking during the training held in Rumuruti town, Lekaram said the engagement also targets to enhance linkages amongst the neighbouring counties to ensure peaceful coexistence between communities living within the Amaya triangle, during and after the general elections.
Amaya Triangle Initiative (ATI) brings together the four counties of Laikipia, Baringo, Samburu and Isiolo with the aim of adopting a sustainable policy approach towards addressing the common development challenges particularly on insecurity and resource conflicts.
The training brought together various peace actors ranging from security personnel, media, Faith based organisations, Community based organisations and Nyumba Kumi initiative.
Over the years, Laikipia County and the neighbouring counties have been flagged as a violence hot spot during elections.
Laikipia West Deputy County Commissioner, Hezron Nyamberi, said that the training from NCIC and Interpeace had just come at the right time because it will encourage people in the region to maintain 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,” Nyamberi said.
He expressed his optimism that the efforts would bear fruits and ensure that peace prevails in Laikipia west and Laikipia County in general.
The Government, he added, has put adequate measures in place to ensure that peace is maintained in the area, during the general election.
Laikipia West Administration Police In-Charge Samuel Olal, lauded the concerted efforts to enhance peaceful coexistence in the area saying it will go a long way in enhancing the livelihoods of the locals.
He also asked the peace actors to be sharing any security related information with the security agencies in the area anytime, saying that this would help a lot in thwarting any insecurity plans on time.
The NCIC and Interpeace training covered topics on monitoring and prevention of hate speech on social media platforms, infrastructure for peace in Kenya, the role of committees in prevention and management of conflicts and election preparedness in Laikipia County.
By Antony Mwangi
