The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has initiated preparations for the International Day of Peace for the year 2024.
This significant event will be celebrated in West Pokot County on September 21, and a comprehensive programme has been organised in anticipation of the occasion.
The slogan for this year is ‘Cultivating a Culture of Peace’.
During a media briefing subsequent to a meeting with representatives from the NCCI, West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin stated that they have collectively acknowledged the importance of peace as a significant priority for the residents of West Pokot County.
The Governor guaranteed the NCIC team that the county is ready to facilitate a successful observance of the International Day of Peace on September 21.
He conveyed his appreciation to the NCIC team for their commitment to fostering peace nationwide, emphasising that the forthcoming International Day of Peace event will greatly benefit the residents of West Pokot County as well as the general public throughout the country.
“So, we are looking forward to a successful day on 21st this month, and I believe that the day will be important in building peace among the people of west Pokot,’’ said Kachapin.
The county boss called upon all residents nationwide, as well as leaders and other advocates of peace, to make a concerted effort to attend and jointly celebrate the anticipated day.
Governor Kachapin noted that several activities have been organised by the NCIC in preparation for the International Day of Peace.
He stated that the Amani Club by NCIC in schools would aid in the integration of educational institutions to create a sustainable peace initiative.
He further stated that the Amani Club, in partnership with several schools, has been created to promote peace initiatives throughout the region.
He stated that numerous strategies have been implemented to restore peace, including engaging in dialogue with neighbouring communities that are believed to be in conflict over pastures, livestock, and natural resources.
The Governor emphasised that the county has made considerable investments to uphold peace.
‘‘The County Government has arranged multiple peace tournaments, with some being supported by partners of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as well as other respected organisations and individuals,’’ Governor Kachapin said.
NCIC Commissioner Dorcas Kedogo emphasised that the purpose of convening the pre-visit meeting was in anticipation of International Peace Day on the 21st.
To promote peace both regionally and nationally, NCIC Commissioner Kedogo emphasised that the NCIC seeks to cultivate harmony by engaging a diverse array of stakeholders in its initiatives.
“We are engaging the youth, the women, and even the men and community as a whole,’’ stressed Ms. Kedogo.
Ms. Kedogo stated that the commemoration of the international day is expected to draw a considerable crowd, emphasising the necessity for residents to participate in the event.
She further reassured the community that the county is well-prepared to host the upcoming event, encouraging everyone to attend in large numbers to guarantee its success.
She mentioned that there are plans to train teachers from Baringo, West Pokot, Turkana, and Elgeyo Marakwet regarding Amani clubs.
She noted that in their efforts to promote peace across the nation, they recognised the importance of engaging young individuals in their training initiatives, as focusing solely on adults may not sufficiently contribute to the goal of restoring peace.
She stated that the aim of the training for teachers from Baringo, West Pokot, Turkana, and Elgeyo Marakwet concerning Amani clubs is to primarily involve and educate youth in educational settings, under the assumption that the teachers will later disseminate the knowledge gained to other young people and students.
She conveyed her gratitude to the entire NCIC team for their choice to decentralise peace initiatives, thereby ensuring that local representatives play an active role in fostering engagement in the restoration of peace.
Additionally, she emphasised that incidents of insecurity have markedly decreased in the North Rift counties, confirming that the communities now feel secure and take pride in the favourable results of their ndeavors. She reiterated that with the backing of the county, everything will turn out positively.
The commissioner of the NCIC, Ms. Kedogo, was accompanied by Mr. Killian Nyambu, the Deputy Director of Peace Building and Education, along with Victor Ijaika Bulemi, the Regional Principal Officer of the NCIC.
By Anthony Melly and Agneta Chebet
