Creators of Peace Circles Stakeholders Meeting in Baringo, County

On July 15, 2024, a significant meeting took place at Nginyang Full Gospel Church in Baringo County, Kenya. This gathering brought together 15 stakeholders from various organizations, including GROOTS Kenya, Cana Girls Rescue Home, So They Can, Ushanga Kenya, Mondi Glorious Co-operative, Acham Community Based Organization, the Assistant County Commissioner of Mondi Division, the Loyamorok Ward Administrator, the Chemoril Assistant Chief, the Nakoko Assistant Chief, Chief Silale, Chief Nginyang East, an officer representative from the CDF office, and several village elders. They were joined by 34 women who had completed Peace Circles training.

The main agenda of the meeting was to discuss the practical application of peace initiatives within the community. During the session, the women presented their action plans for promoting peace. Dressed in their cultural attire, they sang and danced joyfully as they received their certificates from Chris Ochieng Assistant county commissioner of Mondi division.

The Assistant County Commissioner committed to involving the women in all community meetings, recognizing them as peace agents. He promised to support their activities and ensure their needs are met, particularly by prioritizing them for relief food distribution.

The CDF office pledged to support one Peace Circle with the women in local administration, aiming to empower them to foster peace within the community. GROOTS Kenya committed to empowering the women with improved farming methods and providing financial support for widows' projects. Ushanga Kenya promised to collaborate with the women in beadwork training, help develop markets for their products, and promote a culture of saving among them.

The women expressed their happiness and pledged to be agents of peace in their communities. This engagement highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts to sustain peace and empower women as key contributors to community harmony.

The session concluded with a tree-planting ceremony, symbolizing growth, unity, and a commitment to a peaceful and prosperous future. This activity not only aligns with the government’s agenda of planting fifteen billion trees by 2032 but also supports efforts to combat climate change and improve environmental conservation.

The Stakeholder’s meeting was facilitated by Annastacia Munene, Mary Kuket and Gloria J. Rutto.

CoP Kenya is very grateful to IPT, SZF, IofC Kenya and Shoshana, who have made the Peace Circles Possible.

By Gloria Rutto