Religious leaders and community representatives from Kenya and Tanzania have lauded interfaith dialogue as an effective tool for promoting peaceful coexistence, preventing conflict and strengthening social cohesion among communities of different faiths.
Speaking during a regional exchange programme held in Diani, Kwale County, stakeholders implementing the Respect, Protection and Promotion of Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB) in the Swahili Coast Regional Programme said the initiative was helping communities overcome religious mistrust and build stronger relationships.
The exchange brought together participants from Kwale and Isiolo counties in Kenya and Tunduru District in Tanzania to share experiences and lessons on promoting freedom of religion and belief.
Freedom of Religion and Belief Programme Officer in Kenya, Bishop David Nzioka said the project had recorded positive results in areas that previously experienced religious tensions.
“Through this programme, communities are increasingly learning to live together peacefully despite their religious differences. Dialogue has created opportunities for people to understand one another and build trust,” said Nzioka.
He cited Isiolo County as one of the areas where the initiative had helped reduce religious divisions and foster greater social cohesion.
Kenya’s Interfaith Advisory Committee Member, Sheikh Amani Mwachirumu said the programme had helped challenge stereotypes and promote mutual respect among people of different faiths.
“Many people previously viewed their faith as superior to others, creating unnecessary divisions. Today, we are seeing greater appreciation and understanding among different religious groups,” he said.
Mwachirumu noted that exchanges between participants from Kenya and Tanzania had strengthened regional cooperation by highlighting shared cultural values and experiences.
Freedom of Religion and Belief Manager in Tunduru District, Tanzania, John Galawa, said the initiative had enhanced peace and unity within communities by encouraging dialogue and understanding.
“The programme has strengthened relationships among people of different faiths and encouraged communities to focus on their common values,” said Galawa.
Swahili Coast Regional Programme Coordinator, Kahaso Pendo Emmanuel, said both Kenya and Tanzania have constitutional provisions that guarantee freedom of religion and belief.
He noted that Article 32 of Kenya’s Constitution and provisions within Tanzania’s Constitution safeguard freedom of conscience, religion and belief.
“Our constitutions provide strong legal protection, but communities must understand and embrace these rights through peaceful coexistence and mutual respect,” he said.
Head of Programmes at the Free Pentecostal Fellowship in Kenya (FPFK) Joshua Kelele urged leaders to protect the gains made through interfaith dialogue, particularly during election periods.
He cautioned against the use of religion and ethnicity to divide communities for political purposes, emphasizing the need to promote national unity and cohesion.
International Aid Services (IAS) Denmark representative, Margaret Mshendu said the regional programme was established after partners recognized that communities across East Africa faced similar challenges related to religious tolerance and social cohesion.
She said the six-year programme supports communities in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda through dialogue, knowledge-sharing and collaborative peace-building initiatives.
Mshendu noted that similar programmes are being implemented in other countries, including Nigeria and Somaliland, with plans underway to expand activities to additional regions in Tanzania.
Stakeholders said the initiative demonstrates the importance of dialogue in strengthening freedom of religion and belief while fostering peaceful coexistence among diverse communities across East Africa.
by Chari Suche
