The Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC), in collaboration with the Isiolo County Government and the National Government Administration, has initiated a series of peace-building meetings in Manyatta Zebra and Ngaremara villages within Ngaremara Ward.
This effort seeks to address long-standing conflicts in the region by fostering inclusivity and empowering historically marginalized groups, particularly women and youth.
A Collaborative Effort for Lasting Peace
The initiative is part of the Resilient Approaches in Natural Rangelands Ecosystem (RANGE) Programme, supported by FCDC in partnership with Mercy Corps and the University of Twente, and funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (EKN).
It aims to tackle persistent conflicts arising from cattle rustling, resource competition, and other security challenges, while strengthening social cohesion among communities.
The program extends beyond Isiolo to neighboring Samburu and Marsabit counties, where similar challenges persist.
Unveiled during a high-level security meeting in Chari earlier this week, the initiative will focus on tackling the root causes of drug abuse and organized crime, which have contributed to insecurity in the region.
Empowering Women and Youth in Conflict Resolution
Traditionally, peace discussions in pastoralist communities have been male-dominated, often sidelining the perspectives of women and youth.
Isiolo Deputy County Commissioner Christopher Siele, who presided over both meetings, lauded the program for promoting inclusivity.
He emphasized the importance of giving a voice to women and young people, allowing them to contribute to sustainable peace solutions.
The meetings were attended by representatives from FCDC, county government officials led by NGO Coordination Affairs Director Bitacha Sora, sub-county administrators, and members of the area Peace Committee.
Their collective participation underscores the multi-stakeholder approach necessary for lasting peace.
Youth Engagement and Exchange Programs
As part of the initiative, 20 young individuals will be trained and deployed to educate the public on the dangers of drug abuse and the benefits of peace-building.
Additionally, 40 youths from Chari and Ngaremara wards will participate in an exchange program with their counterparts in Samburu and Marsabit counties.
This initiative seeks to foster mutual learning and build partnerships aimed at addressing the root causes of conflict in the region.
According to Siele, regional cooperation and dialogue are key to curbing insecurity. Many young people, faced with limited opportunities, have turned to drugs and illicit activities as a means of survival.
The youth have urged both county and national leaders to implement sustainable alternatives to crime and substance abuse.
They propose livestock restocking programs to revive traditional pastoral economies, irrigation schemes to support agriculture and reduce reliance on risky income sources, and investment in skills training and employment opportunities to equip young people with vocational skills for stable jobs.
Addressing Broader Security Concerns
Beyond drug abuse, the meetings also tackled broader security concerns affecting the region.
Key issues raised included the need for structured rangeland management to ensure proper use of pasture and water resources, preventing conflicts among pastoralist communities in Isiolo, Samburu, and Marsabit.
Additionally, there was a focus on addressing outdated cultural practices that encourage cattle rustling, as these traditions fuel violence and instability.
The widespread availability of illegal firearms was highlighted as a major security threat, exacerbating crime and insecurity.
Furthermore, the initiative seeks to enhance local policing efforts by strengthening the recruitment and coordination of the Kenya Police Reserve (KPR) to curb rampant cattle theft.
A Call for Collective Action
The success of this peace-building initiative hinges on a unified approach by all stakeholders.
The county government, development partners, local leaders, and community members must collaborate to eradicate drug abuse, create economic opportunities, and promote peaceful coexistence.
Moreover, women and youth have emphasized the need for active inclusion in all county and national government programs to ensure long-term impact.
Their engagement in decision-making processes is crucial to breaking the cycle of insecurity and fostering resilience in the region.
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As Isiolo and its neighboring counties embark on this bold peace initiative, there is renewed hope that collaboration, awareness, and economic empowerment will lead to a more secure and harmonious future for all communities involved.
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