Participants during an anti femicide walk in Nakuru City


Kenya's proactive stance as a beacon of peace and security initiatives, both domestically and on the international stage, is a testament to its unwavering commitment to peacebuilding.

Implementing the National Peacebuilding and Prevention Strategy, a comprehensive framework designed to address internal conflicts and promote social cohesion demonstrates this commitment.

Kenya's peacebuilding architecture, with its unique emphasis on early warning systems, preventive diplomacy, and mediation efforts, is a testament to its unwavering commitment to fostering national unity and preventing conflicts. The National Peacebuilding and Prevention Strategy, a cornerstone of this architecture, is a proactive approach that addresses potential conflicts before they escalate.

The National Steering Committee on Peacebuilding and Conflict Management (NSC) plays a pivotal role in Kenya's peacebuilding efforts.

This committee promotes sustainable peace through a collaborative institutional framework involving state and non-state actors and communities at national and regional levels, making it a key component of the National Peacebuilding and Prevention Strategy.

Kenya's active participation in the United Nations Peacebuilding Architecture Review further reinforces its peacebuilding efforts. Kenya seeks to align its national strategies with international best practices by engaging in this global process, ensuring its peacebuilding initiatives are practical and sustainable.

 

Through these comprehensive measures, Kenya's peacebuilding architecture in 2025 reflects a proactive stance that enhances national stability. This approach, which addresses immediate challenges and underlying causes of conflict, positions Kenya as a leading example of effective regional peacebuilding, setting a benchmark for other nations.

Kenya stands at the forefront of integrating climate change considerations into its national peace and security strategies, recognizing environmental shifts' profound impact on societal stability.

The nation's agricultural sector, a cornerstone of its economy, faces unprecedented challenges due to erratic weather patterns, prolonged droughts, and unpredictable rainfall. These climatic disruptions threaten food security, increasing competition over dwindling resources and heightening the potential for communal conflicts.

 

Kenya has adopted a holistic approach to address these intertwined challenges by embedding peace and security considerations into its climate action plans.

This strategy acknowledges that environmental stressors can exacerbate existing social tensions, making developing adaptive measures promoting community resilience imperative.

By focusing on sustainable agricultural practices, water resource management, and community-based conflict resolution mechanisms, Kenya aims to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change while fostering social cohesion.

 

This integrated approach safeguards the nation's food systems and strengthens its stability.

By proactively addressing the nexus between climate change and security, Kenya sets a precedent for other countries facing similar challenges, demonstrating that sustainable development and peacebuilding are inextricably linked in the face of a changing global climate.

Recognizing that military action alone cannot eradicate banditry, the government also focuses on socio-economic initiatives.

Efforts include improving infrastructure, providing education, and creating employment opportunities to address the underlying issues contributing to banditry.

Additionally, there is an emphasis on dialogue and reconciliation among communities to foster lasting peace, an initiative also undertaken by

MIDRIFT HURINET.

Kenya witnessed a transformative wave of youth-led protests against the proposed Finance Bill, marking a significant shift in the nation's socio-political landscape. Spearheaded predominantly by Generation Z, these demonstrations showcased the power of digital mobilization, with young activists utilizing social media platforms to organize, educate, and broadcast their dissent. The movement, often called 'Gen Z's protests,' not

only highlighted the generation's deep-seated frustration with systemic corruption, economic hardships, and perceived governmental overreach but also inspired a new wave of activism.

 

The intensity of the protests led to significant political upheaval. In response to the widespread unrest and the storming of Parliament, President William Ruto withdrew the contentious Finance Bill. He dismissed nearly his entire government, signaling a willingness to address

the concerns raised by the youth.

 

As Kenya moves into 2025, the impact of these events is poised to reshape the nation's approach to peace and security. Generation Z's assertiveness and organizational prowess have underscored the necessity for inclusive governance that genuinely reflects the aspirations of its youthful populace. Policymakers are now more attuned to the voices of young citizens, recognizing that sustainable peace and security are inextricably linked to addressing their economic and social grievances.

 

The protests have illuminated the potential of digital platforms as tools for civic engagement and mobilization.

This realization prompts the government to consider more transparent and responsive communication channels to engage with its citizens, particularly the tech-savvy youth.

 

The events of 2024 have positioned Generation Z as a formidable force in Kenya's socio-political arena. Their activism has not only led to immediate policy reversals. Still, it has also set the stage for a more participatory governance model in 2025, where the voices of the youth are integral to the nation's peace and security framework.

The Kenyan government has declared GBV the country's most urgent security threat, following the tragic deaths of 100 women over four months, predominantly at the hands of acquaintances or intimate partners. In response, a specialized police unit has been established to combat femicides, and a presidential working group is being formed to develop solutions to end GBV.

 

Addressing these multifaceted challenges requires a comprehensive approach, encompassing policy reforms, community engagement, and international cooperation, to ensure peace and security in Kenya throughout 2025 and beyond.

By

Jacob Karani