Kisumu leaders have pledged coordinated peace-building efforts ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Leaders pledge stronger conflict prevention, inclusive leadership and coordinated action to address threats ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Kisumu election peace efforts will prioritise early-warning measures after county leaders pledged stronger action against political intolerance. They also committed to addressing grievances that could fuel violence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The commitments followed a two-day Peace and Leadership Summit in Kisumu, bringing together government officials and community representatives. Participants included civil society, religious organisations, security agencies, independent institutions, and youth and women’s groups.
Kisumu County Commissioner Ramadhan Mwabudzo read the summit’s communique, which set out six resolutions. These covered peace-building, information sharing, inclusive leadership and responses to emerging security threats.
Kisumu election peace plans target early intervention
Delegates called for stronger early-warning and response systems to identify potential conflicts before they escalate. They urged timely intervention as political campaigns intensify ahead of the next election.
Participants identified political intolerance, unresolved community grievances and socio-economic inequalities as threats to stability. They also flagged organised criminal violence, misinformation and hate speech in Kisumu and the wider Nyanza region.
Meanwhile, delegates expressed concern about declining public confidence in institutions responsible for electoral justice. They warned that leaving those concerns unresolved could increase tensions and the risk of violence.
The communique stressed that peace and social cohesion support both stability and development. It also called for effective response mechanisms, adequate local resources and cooperation between state agencies and non-state organisations.
Digital threats and inclusive leadership
Alongside political tensions, the summit highlighted risks linked to digital platforms. These included cyberbullying, online harassment, harmful artificial intelligence-generated content and technology-facilitated gender-based violence.
Delegates also called for greater involvement of women and young people in decision-making. They recognised both groups as important partners in preventing conflict and promoting peaceful coexistence.
However, participants cautioned that security interventions alone could not deliver lasting peace. They stressed the need for accountable leaders, responsive institutions, respect for human rights and coordinated action.
The summit also urged sustained investment in peace initiatives beyond the 2027 polls. Delegates warned against waiting until political tensions rise before activating peace-building programmes.
Forum to track implementation
To support follow-through, participants committed to establishing a coordination forum involving the different stakeholder groups. The forum will periodically review the communique, monitor agreed actions and assess progress.
It will also identify areas needing corrective measures as organisations carry out their commitments. Delegates urged participating institutions to turn the resolutions into practical interventions while upholding constitutional principles.
Pamoja for Transformation Trust convened the summit with the national government through the County Commissioner’s office. Development partners, including Act Change Transform and the Royal Danish Embassy in Kenya, supported the initiative.
After the meeting, the trust’s Executive Director, Kadenyo Stephen, said participants had reflected on their constitutional and individual responsibilities. He said the discussions brought together government, private sector, religious, civil society and youth representatives.
Stephen also pledged continued collaboration to implement the resolutions and promote a peaceful Kisumu and wider region. He expressed hope that the commitments would lead to practical action before the 2027 General Election.
