The National Cohesion and Integration Commission, in partnership with the Uwiano Platform for Peace, the Embassy of Sweden, and UNDP Kenya held an Intergenerational dialogue between the youth and elders with an aim of building a collaborative approach to an Elections Bila Noma.
The dialogue, which took place at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development, was preceded by a re-launch of the strategy dubbed ‘Uwiano Platform for Peace; A 2022 – 2023 Strategy towards a Free, Credible, Inclusive and Peaceful 2022 General Elections.
The forum, characterized by compulsive speeches from different speakers covered a wide range of topics, which stressed on the need to build a consensus on the role of youth and elders in ensuring transformative leadership for a violence-free election.
Speaking during the occasion, the Chief Administrative Secretary for the Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs Ms. Nadia Ahmed, who was the chief guest, reiterated on the need for young people to support each other and listen keenly to the elders as they are the reservoir of wisdom. In her words,” leadership and accountability are not about an individual. It’s about giving hope to a generation that looks, smells, talks and feels just like me. Let us listen keenly when our elders talk to us. They are the reservoir of wisdom”. She also emphasized on the importance of including more youth in leadership positions, while taking the opportunity to thank the President for incorporating young people, including herself, under his administration.
Her remarks were reiterated by the NCIC chairman Rev. Dr. Samwel Kobia CBS and Sweden envoy to Kenya H.E Amb. Caroline Vicini who both called for a united commitment of youth and elders in advocating for transformative leadership for the realization of a peaceful 2022 election.
The event also brought together other guests including the Chairman of the National Council of elders Major (Retired) John Seii, President of National Youth Bunge association Todosia Ruto, the Secretary of NSC Mr. Peter Thuku, Chairpersons and Members of Commissions and Independent Offices, Development Partners, amongst other dignitaries.
