Youth in Baringo have been challenged to participate in peace and security drives through arts to foster lasting peace in the volatile region.
Governor Benjamin Cheboi was speaking during a two-day capacity-building training on promoting safe schools organized by COMESA and various partners that was held at a Kabarnet resort, Baringo central and concluded Friday.
“We are equipping our youth with art skills in vocational training centers and TVET’s across the country, The Arts Declaration for Baringo youths is a model for growth and opportunities in the republic of Kenya and they hold the key to shaping the destiny of this county,” the county boss noted.
Cheboi said Arts and sports help in constructive outcomes to prevent conflict in communities by raising awareness and inspiring tolerance around societal differences while encouraging youth to stand as representatives of peace, unity, and global development.
Baringo County Commissioner Stephen Kutwa further urged the youth to take advantage of opportunities available for them and adopt the bottom-up economic model (BETA) for the transformation of lives through participating in agriculture, the digital economy, affordable housing, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Elizabeth Mutunga, the COMESA head of peace, security, and governance said the aim of the youth training was to build capacity to promote initiatives in their respective sub-counties and communities, adding that peace and security will boost economic development.
“Youth inclusion and marginalization will increase sustainable development and the impact of empowering Baringo youth will make an impact nationally,” Mutunga said.
Mutunga said that sustainable development goal number 16 was practical by ensuring responsive inclusive, participatory, and representative of marginalized groups in decision-making at all levels of governance considering how developing effective, accountable, and transparent institutions will substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all forms to ensure equity and equality for all.
Paul Kamama, a youth participant from Tiaty, noted that the challenges of regional inequality, exclusion, and marginalization were taking a toll on the youth from the insecurity-prone zones adding that the forum was a great opportunity for the youths to channel their ideas and benefit from the reforms reached.
The training involved youth from the six sub-counties with representatives from marginalized communities of Ilchamuns, Endorois, and Njemps who discussed matters that affected them and provided solutions to solve the impending conflicts.
The participants, who aired their views concluded that the event was a good initiative that brought them together to share ideas on fostering and restoration of peace and security in the banditry region that was known for cattle rustling activities that have led to loss of lives and source of livelihoods.
By Caroline Cherono and Parklea Ivor
