The national International Day of Peace celebrations at Nyayo Gardens in Nakuru focused on unity ahead of the 2027 election.
The cohesion commission calls for issue-based campaigns, youth participation and early action on tensions as Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has urged Kenyans to reject ethnic mobilisation and political violence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The commission wants peace protected before, during and after the polls.
NCIC Chairperson Kepha Nyamweya said political differences should not turn Kenyans against one another.
His remarks were delivered by Commissioner Joseph Nguyo during International Day of Peace celebrations at Nyayo Gardens in Nakuru.
Nyamweya described elections as a constitutional opportunity for Kenyans to choose their leaders.
However, he warned that hate speech, misinformation, intolerance and ethnic mobilisation remain major risks.
NCIC Unveils 2027 Peace Roadmap
The commission has developed the second edition of its Uchaguzi Bila Noma roadmap.
The initiative seeks to support peaceful elections through civic education, conflict prevention and early response.
NCIC also plans to track emerging conflict risks and strengthen early-warning systems.
The commission will work with national and county governments, political leaders, communities and civil society groups.
Religious organisations, the media, women and youth groups will also support the peace efforts.
Nyamweya said maintaining peace cannot remain the responsibility of public institutions alone.
NCIC Targets Youth Participation
The commission is also using Amani Clubs to promote peace among young Kenyans.
NCIC says the programme has established more than 1,000 clubs in schools.
The clubs give young people platforms to discuss peace, diversity, dialogue and responsible citizenship.
Nyamweya urged political leaders to focus campaigns on policies and public issues.
He warned against using ethnicity, religion, region or political affiliation to divide voters.
He also urged leaders not to recruit young people into political violence.
Nakuru Urged to Address Tensions Early
Nakuru hosted the national celebrations because of its history of political and ethnic conflict.
The county suffered heavily during the 2007/08 post-election violence.
Peacebuilding efforts have since supported reconciliation across affected communities.
During the event, Njoro, Kuresoi North and Kuresoi South were identified as areas requiring closer monitoring and dialogue.
Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika called for early intervention when tensions emerge.
She urged political leaders to avoid using communities as tools for political confrontation.
As Kenya heads towards 2027, NCIC wants political competition to remain peaceful and issue-based.
