Preparations for the 2026 International Day of Peace (IDoP) celebrations have begun in Uasin Gishu County, with stakeholders calling for strengthened peace campaigns ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The planning committee, comprising county peace stakeholders, National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) and private-sector peace actors, held a meeting to lay the groundwork for the celebrations scheduled for September 21.
This year’s International Day of Peace will be commemorated under the theme, “Invest in Peace For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”
The stakeholders said the annual event provides an important opportunity to promote unity, dialogue and collective action towards building peaceful communities.
Speaking while chairing the meeting on behalf of the County Commissioner, Senior Assistant County Commissioner for Kibulgeny Division in Soy Sub-County, Lucy Towett, said this year’s celebrations come at a critical time as Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election.
Towett called for intensified peace campaigns across communities to sensitise residents on the importance of maintaining peace, saying peaceful coexistence is essential for sustainable development and human well-being.
She urged stakeholders to use the celebrations to strengthen community dialogue and encourage residents to embrace peaceful approaches to resolving conflicts.
The stakeholders also emphasised the importance of grassroots initiatives, community engagement and daily acts of compassion in promoting lasting peace.
They said peace-building should be treated as a continuous responsibility involving government agencies, communities, civil society organisations and other actors.
Among those attending the planning meeting were Uasin Gishu County Peace Monitor Viola Sang, County Peace Committee Chairman Rev. Timothy Kipchirchir Bamai, Disability Services Coordinator Hellen Tuwei and County Director of Gender Tecla Biwott.
By Ekuwam Sylvester
