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KEPSA
7th Floor, South Tower, Two Rivers, Limuru Rd, Nairobi.
info@kepsa.or.ke
21st September 2022
On 21st September 2022, Dr. Vimal Shah, Chair Mkenya Daima initiative delivered a keynote speech during the International Day of Peace celebrations, hosted by the Global Peace Foundation Kenya at the Daystar University in Nairobi.
The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by a unanimous United Nations resolution to provide a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to Peace above all differences, and to contribute to building a Culture of Peace. The day is observed around the world each year on the 21st of September.
Themed, “End Racism, Build Peace” this year’s event drew attention to the importance of tackling racism as a way to protect and promote peace throughout the world.
Today’s event held under the sub-theme "A Redeemed Country After a Peaceful Election," saw participants who included students from various universities, peace ambassadors, and key partners exchange ideas on how the country can draw lessons from the just concluded 2022 general elections which culminated with a peaceful transfer of power.
The conference also aimed at recognizing the efforts of young people who ensured a peaceful election, as well as appreciating the roles played by students and other stakeholders in peacebuilding during the election. The meeting also sought to appreciate their valuable efforts and encourage them to continue taking positive and impactful actions to change their communities.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Michael Bowen, the Principal, Daystar University, Nairobi Campus said that the University had put in place mechanisms, calculating values in their training courses, with an aim of equipping the graduates to be peace ambassadors.
“As we appreciate the different roles played by various stakeholders in ensuring peace during the recently concluded elections, we must appreciate the growth and advancement of our nation in the journey towards sustainable peace.” He said.
While speaking on ‘Promoting peacebuilding dialogues among students,’ Daniel Juma, Executive Director, Global Peace Foundation Kenya appreciated the students for taking the front role in championing for peace in the August 9th elections.
“Through these elections, we have demonstrated the supremacy of our democracy and our Kenyan youth including all students are the real heroes, for refusing to be used to create violence.” He concluded.
On his part, Dr. Vimal Shah spoke on the power of volunteerism in shaping peace together, drawing lessons from the Mkenya Diama 2022 campaign under the mantra #NitatendaWajibuWangu.
“As Mkenya Daima, we are purposeful in our contributions to both the short-term and long-term peace agenda in our country, under the ambit of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance and bringing together all other stakeholders to ensure a smooth leadership transition and business continuity.” He said.
Dr. Vimal continued to encourage the students to be ready to take up any voluntary roles available for the good of our country.
Ms. Hagemann Katrin, Deputy Ambassador, European Union (EU) Delegation to Kenya, while speaking on “Preventing and countering violent extremism through peace education,’’ encouraged the participants to find ways in which they can contribute to ensuring sustainable peace in the world.
“We have worked with the media and the civil society in the promotion of fact-based, fair, and balanced information sharing. In these elections, the flow of information and communication from TV radios and different media outlets definitely prevented the sense of exclusion, resentment, and fear of not having a voice in politics.”
Ms. Katrin said that the EU will continue to support preventive measures against violent extremism in Kenya.
On her part, Dr. Skitter Ocharo, Chief Executive Officer, National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) encouraged the students to take part in holding our leaders to account.
Other leaders who also spoke during the celebrations include Ms. Rana Taha, Peace and Development Advisor Kenya, UN Resident Coordinator’s Office Nairobi, Ms. Julie Ojiambo, Governance, Democracy, and Human Rights Practitioner, Ms. Ruth Mueni HSC, Public Communications & Advocacy practitioner, and Bishop Dr. John Warari Wakabu, Executive Board Member, Interreligious Council of Kenya.