Youth affairs
Youth from the Trans Mara region marked International Youth Day by engaging in peace-building initiatives.
Speaking to the press at Kilgoris Youth Centre, the County Committee Member in charge of Education, Sports, Youth, Gender, and Culture, Robert Simotwo highlighted the significance of the event, noting that it coincided with the third day of International Youth Week, focused on peace advocacy.
“Living in peace is an attitude. Without peace, we cannot grow the economy, and that hinders our ability to employ the youth,” said Simotwo, emphasizing the critical role of peace in development. Simotwo added that the initiative aims also at bringing youths to the table for meaningful engagement, adding that over 100 youths from the Trans Mara region participated.
He stressed that when peace-building activities are not undertaken in society, it is the youth who suffer the most. Simotwo condemned tribalism and urged young people to rise above ethnic conflicts, encouraging them to set a positive example for their communities and become the change needed to resolve local conflicts and secure a peaceful future.
He advocated for alternative livelihood skills, coexistence, and forming groups so that they can access funding opportunities from the government to enhance their livelihoods. The peace caravan began at the Kilgoris Youth Empowerment Centre and proceeded to Kilgoris Town, symbolizing the youth’s commitment to a peaceful future.
Joshua Kelele, Program Manager at the Free Pentecostal Fellowship, encouraged the youth to take the lead in peace advocacy efforts, stressing that peace is essential for regional development. Kelele said the Free Pentecostal Fellowship is actively involved in promoting peaceful coexistence, rebuilding communities, and conflict resolution in areas affected by border and ethnic conflicts.
Kelele further stated that due to the ongoing conflicts in the Trans Mara region, the Free Pentecostal Fellowship, through its Peace and Resilience program, has been working closely with the government to help resolve these disputes. The goal is to foster brotherhood among the communities, allowing them to live together peacefully as Kenyans.
County Director youth affairs, Erick Tarakwai, emphasized the importance of keeping young people engaged in positive activities that contribute to the country’s development.Tarakwai urged the youth to form groups and seek funding from government programs like the Youth Enterprise Fund, Uwezo Fund, and NGAAF to generate income and improve their lives.
Tarakwai also highlighted that peace starts within the individual before it can spread to others or the entire nation, urging youth to remain peaceful and focus on peace-building initiatives. Moureen Sialo, a youth representative, emphasized the importance of partnerships in sponsoring peace among the youths in the Trans Mara region.
She urged her fellow youth to form self-help groups so that they can access government funding and start businesses.