Kenya's Peacebuilding Architecture Review Report 2024 places the youth question at the heart of its vision for a peaceful and prosperous nation. With young people constituting most of Kenya's population, the report recognizes their immense potential as agents of change, innovation, and resilience.

However, it also acknowledges the challenges they face—unemployment, exclusion from decision-making, and vulnerability to radicalization—that can turn this potential into a source of instability.

To address these issues, the report calls for a youth-centered approach to peacebuilding that integrates their voices, aspirations, and talents into every aspect of national development.

The framework envisions creating safe spaces for youth dialogue, where young people can engage in meaningful conversations about their future. More importantly, it emphasizes the pivotal role of the youth in shaping policies that directly impact them. It also equips them with leadership, conflict resolution, and entrepreneurship skills, turning them into social cohesion and economic growth drivers. Recognizing that idle hands are fertile ground for conflict, the report advocates for targeted investments in education, job creation, and mentorship programs to ensure that the youth have opportunities to thrive and lead.

Furthermore, the report underscores the role of technology in empowering and mobilizing young people. By leveraging their digital fluency, the Peacebuilding Architecture aims to amplify peace narratives and counter misinformation, fostering a culture of dialogue and tolerance. The youth question is not just about solving challenges; it's about unlocking a reservoir of creativity and energy that, if channeled effectively, can transform Kenya into a beacon of peace and innovation for future generations.

The report confronts the "women question" with a bold and transformative vision, recognizing that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without women's full and equal participation. The report identifies women as key actors in conflict prevention, resolution, and rebuilding yet acknowledges the systemic barriers—such as gender-based violence, cultural norms, and exclusion from leadership—that have historically sidelined their contributions.

It envisions a future where women are not only beneficiaries of peace processes but architects of them, reshaping communities and institutions to reflect inclusivity and equity.

At the heart of this vision is a commitment to enhancing women's representation in decision-making spaces, from local councils to national peace forums. The framework advocates for quotas and affirmative action policies that ensure women sit at the table where critical peacebuilding strategies are designed and implemented. Moreover, it emphasizes building women's capacity through leadership, negotiation, and mediation training, empowering them to lead grassroots movements that drive reconciliation and stability.

The report also underscores the need for comprehensive strategies to prevent gender-based violence, as it is a fundamental obstacle to peace. It outlines strategies to support survivors and dismantle the patriarchal structures that perpetuate harm. By integrating women's voices and perspectives into every level of peacebuilding, Kenya's Peacebuilding Architecture envisions a society where women are not just survivors of conflict but catalysts for transformative change, nurturing peace from the ground up. Women are positioned not as a 'question' to be solved but

as a solution, indispensable to the vision of a harmonious and resilient Kenya.

The report also reframes the "persons with disability (PWD) question" as an opportunity to champion inclusivity in peacebuilding and national cohesion. The report emphasizes that persons with disabilities, often among the most marginalized groups, possess unique perspectives and untapped potential in shaping peaceful and resilient communities.

Yet, systemic barriers—ranging from physical inaccessibility to social stigmatization—have largely excluded PWDs from critical conversations and

decision-making processes in peacebuilding initiatives.

The framework envisions a transformative shift in the perception of PWDs, from passive recipients of peace dividends to active contributors and leaders in fostering harmony. It advocates for creating accessible platforms for participation, ensuring that physical spaces, information, and communication channels are inclusive and cater to diverse needs. Training programs are also emphasized, equipping PWDs with conflict resolution, advocacy, and leadership skills to enable their meaningful involvement at all levels of peacebuilding.

Moreover, the report calls for targeted policies to address the disproportionate vulnerabilities PWDs face during conflicts, such as heightened risks of displacement, violence, and neglect. By integrating disability inclusion into early warning systems, humanitarian responses, and long-term recovery plans, Kenya's Peacebuilding Architecture seeks to ensure that no one is left behind in the pursuit of peace.

This inclusive vision redefines PWDs not as a question of "what can be done for them" but as a powerful answer to "how can we build a society where everyone thrives." By prioritizing their inclusion, Kenya is not only upholding human rights but also unlocking the full potential of its citizenry to achieve lasting peace and unity.

Kenya's Peacebuilding Architecture Review Report 2024 focuses on the plight of underserved and marginalized communities, framing their inclusion as a cornerstone of sustainable peace and national unity. These communities—often located in remote regions, urban informal settlements, or historically excluded areas—face systemic challenges such as lack of education, healthcare, infrastructure, and political representation.

The report recognizes that persistent neglect breeds grievances, which can escalate into conflict, and calls for a paradigm shift that places these communities at the center of Kenya's peacebuilding agenda.

The framework envisions tailored strategies to bridge the gap between underserved regions and the rest of the nation. This includes investments in equitable resource distribution, infrastructure development, and the decentralization of essential services to empower marginalized groups. It also highlights the need for participatory governance, ensuring these communities have a voice in policy-making processes that directly affect their lives. By doing so, the report addresses historical injustices and fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose among all citizens.

The report further emphasizes the power of education, capacity building, and economic opportunities to transform marginalized communities into vibrant contributors to peace and development. By equipping these populations with the tools to advocate for their rights and participate in local and national initiatives, Kenya's Peacebuilding Architecture seeks to dismantle the cycles of exclusion and poverty that fuel discontent.

In this vision, underserved and marginalized communities are no longer viewed as passive beneficiaries but vital partners in shaping a peaceful and prosperous Kenya. Their inclusion signals a commitment to a future where every citizen is valued and empowered to thrive in harmony regardless of geography or circumstance.

 By

Jacob Karani