The second phase of the Pamoja Initiative on intra and inter community dialogue forums has finally kicked off with the official launch of a 10 member technical committee that will spearhead the mandate of the initiative. The team comprises representatives from the expanded group of stakeholders following the end of the first phase of the Pamoja Initiative that was implemented by the National Council of Churches of Kenya over the last 6 years. During the second phase, the team will specifically focus on national values, cohesion and integration.
Speaking when he officially unveiled the committee, National Cohesion and Values Secretary Michael Ndungu lauded the achievements realized under the Pamoja Initiative so far. Ndung’u called on the team to move with speed and ensure that the process gets underway. “I feel happy when I hear you talk about national values as enshrined in the constitution under articles 131 and 132 of our constitution. I encourage you to synergize ensure public participation. Let us do a campaign to encourage all to join this initiative”, he said.
On his part the National Council of Churches of Kenya General Secretary reverend Canon Peter Karanja said that Kenyans owe it to themselves to live peacefully. “ All of us have a task of asking how can I make Kenya a home for posterity? People do not need to be excluded to feel included”, said Canon Karanja. He added that a mechanism must be found to make Kenya authentically inclusive. Canon Karanja who is among the goodwill peace ambassadors pointed out that cohesion work in the country must result in greater collaboration as Kenyans move to politically coexist. He called on other -non state actors to join the initiative adding that they had a significant role to play.
Members of the team include Susie Ibutu, Joseph Ngetich(NCCK),Edward Nyongesa, Elmelda Mogoi( Directorate of National Cohesion and National Values) Richard Nderitu, Sellah King’oro (National Cohesion and Integration Commission), Linus Nthigai, Hassan Mohammed(Inter Religious Council of Kenya), Carolyne Nkirote (Kenya Private Sector Alliance), Ahmed Biko and Perpetua Mwangi ( National Steering Committee).
Already consultations to bring on board more stakeholders are at an advanced stage following resolutions adopted at the Pamoja Conference on national cohesion and integration 2 months a peace go. The conference that was a culmination of a 6-year peace initiative was the launching pad for nationwide County forums expected to begin soon. President Uhuru Kenyatta was the chief guest at the event that brought together leaders of various Councils of elders in the country, Members of Parliament, diplomats cohesion experts among others.
