KPPC Events & Initiatives

Kenya's journey towards unity has been consistently challenged by a deep-seated political divide, often heightened during electoral periods. State mechanisms have attempted to address political and ethnic conflicts, often by establishing formal bodies like the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC). This commission, tasked with promoting peace and addressing inter-ethnic tensions, has made strides but frequently faces limitations. National programs struggle to gain the trust of local communities, appearing as distant or bureaucratic, especially in areas where skepticism of government actions lingers.

During the 2007 post-election violence, the immediate crisis was calmed through a Kofi Annan-led mediation that established a power-sharing agreement. However, the longer-term impact was muted in the eyes of many, as community grievances were left largely unaddressed. While this solution addressed the political elite, it highlighted the limits of state-centric responses, as it did not reach the heart of local divisions.

State-driven efforts often falter when communities perceive government bias or when the state's involvement fails to address local realities. This serves as a stark reminder that political solutions, even those supported by international actors, may not resolve deeper social conflicts when local dynamics are ignored. However, grassroots efforts, rooted in the lived realities of people, often resonate more deeply. These initiatives can bridge divides through inclusive dialogue and the mobilization of local resources. For example, in the aftermath of violence in Kenya's Tana Delta region, a community-led peace committee brought together elders, youth, and women to create sustainable agreements over resource use, leading to a more enduring peace.

While the Kenyan experience forms the foundation of this discussion, the August school will recognize that these challenges are not unique to Kenya. Across Africa and beyond, similar struggles between political and community-based approaches have shaped the post-colonial journey toward unity. Examples such as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa, which sought to address apartheid-era grievances, or grassroots mediation efforts in Uganda's northern regions, which navigated the aftermath of conflict with the Lord's Resistance Army, offer invaluable lessons for participants. In Rwanda, the Gacaca courts—while controversial—illustrate how traditional practices can be adapted to support reconciliation at a national scale.