All Set For Phase 2 Dialogue and Reconciliation Forum
The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) yesterday held a special scenario building exercise ahead of the second phase of Community Dialogue for Healing and Reconciliation dubbed “Pamoja Initiative“.
The aim of the exercise was to inform the Council’s peace mission and intervention mechanisms among various communities in the Country.
Led by NCCK General Secretary Rev. Canon Peter Karanja, participants considered possible economic and socio-political scenarios that could threaten the peaceful co-existence among various communities going forward. In his remarks at NCCK’s Jumuia Place, Canon Karanja underscored the Council’s commitment to healing and reconciliation in the country. He called on various stakeholders and the political class to ensure that Kenyans continue to co-exist peacefully wherever they live.
“There is a lot of hope in the country. Through the Pamoja Initiative, we intend to reach many communities and help them build bridges with each other which is key for a cohesive and integrated country”, he said.
The 5-hour session that was moderated by the Deputy Secretary General Oliver Kisaka brought together more than 20 participants among them clergy, representatives of the diplomatic Corps, political and conflict resolution analysts.
The scenario building exercise came just a week before the first intra-community dialogue forum scheduled for 18th of this month. The programme will target at least 4 communities in the country among them the Kalenjin, Kikuyu, Luo and Mijikenda.
The project follows the signing of a 2-year partnership between the Danish Ambassador to Kenya, His Excellency Geert Aagaard, and NCCK’s General Secretary Rev. Canon Peter Karanja, late last year. Under the arrangement, the Danish Government will provide resources aimed at enabling the Council to reach out to various communities in areas hitherto considered hotspots for political violence.
