Kapenguria: Stakeholders in the conflict-prone Kerio Valley have commended the role of women-led peace initiatives in restoring security and livelihoods in the troubled region. The appreciation was echoed during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting at the Lutheran Church offices in Kapenguria, where speakers acknowledged the critical role women have played in peace initiatives, helping rival communities build solid bridges.
According to Kenya News Agency, the meeting brought together government officials, organizations, community leaders, and development partners to foster inclusive dialogue and coordinated action in strengthening resilience against climate-related shocks and insecurity. Participants also reviewed climate action plans aimed at addressing vulnerabilities linked to climate change and peace-building.
Speaking during the forum, Sally Burer from the Rural Women Link highlighted that the organization, in partnership with the Embassy of Finland, is implementing the ‘Empowerment of Women, Building Peace project.’ This initiative aims to localize the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 through the Kenya National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security. Burer explained that the project seeks to strengthen community ownership in peace-building and gender-based violence prevention across West Pokot, Baringo, and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.
The project focuses on equipping grassroots women and local leaders with peace-building and conflict resolution skills, while advocating for women’s inclusion in decision-making structures. “We are working with women in communities affected by conflict to build their capacity because when women are empowered, they are able to sustain peace within communities,” said Burer.
The initiative adopts a triangular approach linking the three counties, areas that have experienced insecurity fueled by banditry, cattle rustling, drought, and competition over natural resources for years. Women participating in the program have already formed advocacy and lobby groups championing peace and security initiatives at the community level.
Burer further observed that climate change remains a major driver of conflict in the region, prompting the organization to integrate women into climate action discussions and planning processes. “We are bringing together stakeholders from different departments of government, organizations, and community leaders to evaluate climate action plans and identify gaps in women’s inclusion so that women can participate in climate-related decision-making,” she stated.
Kapenguria Division Assistant County Commissioner Peter Njuguna noted that women, who have long borne the brunt of insecurity, are now rebuilding their lives following the restoration of peace. “Families have returned to farming and small businesses. They are planting vegetables, cultivating crops, and rebuilding their livelihoods,” Njuguna said.
He acknowledged the contribution of Rural Women Peace Link in educating women about their rights and mobilizing them to participate in peacebuilding activities. Njuguna also mentioned that many women in West Pokot are involved in artisanal gold mining and called for stronger cooperatives and regulations to support safer operations.
West Pokot County Executive Committee Member for Youth and Gender Affairs, Lucky Litole, praised women for their contribution to peace-building within families and communities. “If a woman holds a family together, the family remains stable, and where there is stable family life, there is peace,” Litole commented.
The County Executive highlighted the county government’s empowerment programs targeting women and youth, providing seed capital to start businesses and improve household incomes. This economic empowerment has significantly contributed to reducing conflict by discouraging young people from engaging in cattle rustling and criminal activities.
West Pokot County Director of Peace, Reverend Jackson Alukusia, commended the organization for placing women at the center of peace-building efforts across the Kerio Valley Region. He cited several areas where women-led peace initiatives have helped reduce insecurity and restore normalcy, emphasizing the critical role women have played in discouraging youth from cattle rustling and other criminal activities.
Stakeholders reiterated the need for sustained collaboration between government agencies, civil society organizations, development partners, and local communities in addressing the root causes of conflict and ensuring long-term peace and development in the Kerio Valley region.
