Kapenguria: Youth leaders from across the region have called for stronger investments in education, economic empowerment, and digital connectivity as key solutions to conflicts affecting communities within the Karamoja Cluster region.
According to Kenya News Agency, the resolutions were contained in a 15-point Kapenguria Peace Declaration presented during the two-day Karamoja Cluster Cross-Border Youth Peace Summit held in Kapenguria, West Pokot County. The summit, organized by the State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy in collaboration with the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), brought together youth representatives from Pokot, Turkana, Karamojong, Sebei, and Marakwet communities to discuss lasting solutions to insecurity, cattle rustling, unemployment, climate-related challenges, and cross-border conflicts.
Speaking during the event, Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Fikirini Jacobs emphasized the need to place young people at the center of peacebuilding and development efforts. Jacobs highlighted that peace is fundamental for community prosperity and stressed the critical role young people play in fostering dialogue, promoting social cohesion, and shaping a more peaceful future.
Earlier, Jacobs paid a courtesy call on West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin, where they discussed strengthening collaboration between national and county governments to ensure youth priorities are integrated into development planning and decision-making processes. Jacobs noted Africa’s youthful demographic presents opportunities and responsibilities for governments and communities, with Kenya having a significant portion of its population under 35.
Governor Kachapin acknowledged the challenges facing the region, such as cattle rustling, illegal firearms, competition over resources, unemployment, and climate change. He emphasized the importance of involving young people as partners and decision-makers in peacebuilding.
West Pokot County Commissioner David Saruni urged participants to become peace ambassadors upon returning to their communities. He emphasized the ongoing responsibility of sustaining peace through actions and leadership.
Erupe Echoto, a respected elder and reformed warrior, shared his personal journey, advising the younger generation to embrace peace and explore economic opportunities like farming. Echoto called on governments to support pastoralist communities during drought and famine.
The summit highlighted the role of the ICGLR Regional Multifunctional Youth Forum, which provides a platform for young people across the Great Lakes region to exchange experiences and contribute to peacebuilding. Proposals adopted included increased access to education, establishment of digital hubs, promotion of inter-community interactions and intermarriage, regular peace dialogues, and enhanced economic empowerment programs.
At the conclusion of the summit, youth representatives signed the Kapenguria Peace Declaration, formally presenting it to PS Jacobs, Governor Kachapin, and County Commissioner Saruni for transmission to President William Ruto. The declaration symbolizes a collective commitment by young people from across the Karamoja Cluster to champion peace, strengthen regional cooperation, and build a future founded on dialogue and shared prosperity.
