Written by Isura Christoper 2012-06-07 14:44:00 Read 566 Times

National Cohesion and Integration Commission Thursday developed the Nakuru Peace Accord between the Agikuyu and Kalenjin communities which has been going on for the last 14 months to help Kenyans identify with the country in a manner that supersedes identification with ethnic, cultural or religious group, acquire political awareness, share common norms and values and develop attitudes favorable to the display of integrative behavior among people of different groups.

Speaking in Nairobi, NCIC chairman Mzalendo Kibunjia said that the peace accord was set to enhance cohesion among the communities and building of nationhood, especially after the post-election violence.”

“Within the framework of Agenda 4, the NCIC is mandated to address the reasons behind the breakdown of nationhood and offer solutions for now and the future.”

NCIC told West Fm that it conducted a conflict mapping prior to referendum and as per the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) and Waki Report, it was confirmed that Nakuru was still a hotspot for violence. The commission also established that the key players of violence are more often between the Kalenjin and Kikuyu communities thus the bringing together of representatives from the two communities to explore ways of establishing sustainable peace before, during and after the general elections.

Kibunjia called upon Kenyans to change their behavior and attitudes so as to promote set values that can enhance cohesion and integration, and build cohesive communities in Kenya where people can live in harmony and invest.

The commission revealed that it is still committed to building a cohesive community that is critical towards improving the quality of life of Kenyans and enabling them to achieve their potential irrespective of their ethnic, gender, age and religious background.

“Building cohesive communities must be seen as on-going process. Any regeneration initiative must include mechanisms which will identify the different communities within the area. Any tension or conflict; current or potential and include policies to tackle. There needs to be a process whereby communities are engaged in building of cohesive communities, hence the need for a comprehensive communication policy and strategy,” said  Kibunjia.

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