Lenku Launches Pamoja Initiative, Calls For Collaboration on National Cohesion

The second phase of the Pamoja Initiative on intra and inter community county dialogue forums, has begun. The programme that will mainly focus on national cohesion and integration,was launched at a colourful ceremony here in Nairobi by Interior and Coordination of National Government Cabinet Secretary Mr. Joseph ole Lenku.

Speaking during the launch, Lenku underscored the government’s readiness to support the initiative. He said that the Government appreciates such partnerships and strong linkages are needed to jointly address challenges facing the country. “As such public-private partnerships have become the rallying call for both development partners and the Government. I therefore wish to invite the involved parties to support one another in this noble mission of inculcating national cohesion and national values in the Kenyan society”, he said.

He added that the launch of the Pamoja Initiative was testimony to his the importance the government accorded such partnership. Lenku urged Kenyans to remain united irrespective of their ethnic and cultural diversities. “Building social cohesion and promotion of national values is as much about building hope and aspiration as it is about confronting fears and prejudices. We must realize that national cohesion and national values cannot be achieved singlehandedly but through collaboration and building partnerships with various stakeholders”, said Lenku.

On her part Interior Principal Secretary Ambassador Dr. Monica Juma appealed for innovative and practical strategies to promote tolerance, understanding, and acceptance of diversity among all Kenyans. “The Ministry anticipates harnessing the energies and synergy from other stakeholders in developing a sustained national campaign aimed at fostering cohesion and integration of our society”, she said.

She also called on Kenyans to ensure that the country does not slide back to the dark past. “We must put behind our backs to the dark past of ethnic intolerance and animosity and say individually and collectively “NEVER AGAIN”. From this standpoint, I wish to plead for your total commitment and support towards full roll out and realization of the objectives of this initiative and the resultant activities for us to be able to achieve the goal of a harmonious and peaceful society anchored on our national values”, she added.

While applauding the Pamoja Initiave, United Nations Resident Coordinator Nardos Bekele said that a lot of commendable work had been done ahead of the launch. “This is indeed a noble initiative aimed at building collaboration and cohesion in this country of rich diversity.I am glad the initiative aims at strengthening cohesion and integration and promotion of national values in Kenya by facilitating dialogue, capacity development, public education and awareness, cohesion monitoring, advocacy, research and media engagement. It is commendable that the communities of focus include religious leaders, elders, women, youth and the private sector”, she said.

Bekele who shared her personal experience while growing up in the neighbouring Ethiopia, called on Kenyans not to allow a repeat of the 2007/2008 Post Election Violence.

In his remarks, the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) Reverend Canon Peter Karanja challenged Kenyans to openly confront the faulty narratives amongst communities. “We must also challenge our people to pursue solutions to the agreeable difficulties and challenges rather than being frozen in them in time. Such difficulties and challenges include political patronage, negative ethnicity, blatant exclusion from decision making and leadership, and socio-economic and cultural injustices that undermine our national fabric”, Canon Karanja said.

Canon Karanja added that the perceived and real insensitivity of successive governments to the needs and aspirations of Kenyans, had worsened the situation. “As a result, our nation is characterized by an inherent mistrust and deep rooted and longstanding grievances which all combine to undermine the cohesion efforts by both state and non-state actors”, he pointed out.

Canon Karanja’s sentiments were echoed by the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya chairman Sheikh Adan Wachu who said that peace was too expensive for any country. “Peace is very expensive, as a nation we need to understand each other and learn how to listen”, said Sheikh Wachu.He said that the Pamoja Initiative was a baby that must be supported at all cost.

The Directorate of National Cohesion and National Values Secretary Mr Michael Ndungu declared that his institution would take a lead role to in the initiative to ensure national cohesion is achieved. The event was attended by among others, Commissioners from National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), chairmen of various Council’s of Elders, religious leaders among other stakeholders.

Phase II of the Pamoja Initiative will run for 3 years and brings together various stakeholders among them the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK), The National Steering Committee of Peace Building and Conflict Management, The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), the Directorate of National Cohesion and National Values (DNC&NV)The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and the Government of Kenya.