Preparations for this year’s International Day of Peace celebrations is in top gear with peace ambassadors engaging in various activities among them tree planting drives at selected venues in West Pokot County that has been perceived as a hostile area.
St. Elizabeth Girls’ Secondary School – Murpus in Kipkomo Sub County took the lead in tree planting and preaching messages of peace that will culminate into this Saturday’s September 21, 2024 celebrations at Kishaunet ASK Grounds where participants from across the country are expected.
Speaking during the launch of the tree planting event, a Peace Ambassador and St. Elizabeth Girls’ Secondary School-Murpus underscored the value of trees in promoting peace noting that lack of sufficient forest cover can lead to constant tensions amongst communities.
“Conflicts can arise because of the struggle for the scarce natural resources but our children are the greatest peace ambassadors. Without peace there absolutely nothing in terms of development that can be attained,” stated Mrs. Menach who is also Perur Rays of Hope , an organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and sustainable solutions to the challenges facing communities in Kenya.
She disclosed that the school plays host to children from other countries seeking refuge in Kenya from the Kakuma Refugee Camp and they are important in making the locals understand the value of peace in the community.
She recounted how some communities have been witnessing conflicting over land resources sometimes because the environment has been degraded through deforestation causing them to struggle for the prime areas.
Mrs. Menach underscored the value of peace amongst parents noting that women working together can help children realise the importance of peace hence attending to their educational needs comfortably.
She disclosed that the school plays host to children from other countries seeking refuge in Kenya from the Kakuma Refugee Camp and they are important in making the locals understand the value of peace in the community.
NCIC Regional Head Victor Ijaka said that the launch of the tree planting to commemorate the peace day under the theme of Cultivating the Culture of Peace.
He commended the county for being host to some children rescued from warring countries saying allowing them to interact with locals helps the entire world in fostering peaceful co-existence.
County Director for Peace Rev. Jackson Alukusia observed that a lot of peace has been witnessed in the county following joint efforts by several partners commending the choice of West Pokot as the host to the International Day celebrations this year.
By Richard Muhambe
