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In a momentous two-day peace summit, stakeholders from the North Rift Economic Bloc (NOREB) region emerged with a unified vision for a peaceful and prosperous future.
The Governor’s Roundtable, comprising elected officials, peace and development partners, and religious organizations, gathered at the Kitale Club to address deep-rooted conflicts and chart a course for progress.
Led by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, the convener of the summit, leaders wholeheartedly committed themselves to a set of 16 resolutions, emphasizing the imperative need for unwavering political will and dedication from regional authorities to build lasting peace in the NOREB region.
A prominent resolution stressed the active participation of NOREB Leadership, including Governors, Senators, Members of Parliament, Women Representatives, and MCAs, in a Peace Caravan. The initiative seeks to convey the resolute determination of these leaders to promote peace across the entire region.
To ensure effective coordination of peace and security efforts, the Chairman of the NOREB Peace & Security Forum was appointed as the Convener, Coordinator, and key focal point for all related interventions in the region. Additionally, short-term interventions were identified to promptly address the root causes of conflicts and restore harmony among communities.
Recognizing the significance of collaboration between national and county governments, the resolutions called for enhanced engagement to foster peace in the North Rift Region. The use of technology and intelligence was also encouraged as a means to bolster peace-building endeavors. In line with this, the NOREB Secretariat was mandated to coordinate a meeting, within one month of the document’s signing, with all political leaders, including Governors, Members of Parliament, Women Representatives, and MCAs.
A pivotal aspect of the resolutions focused on the establishment of a technical multi-agency steering committee comprising representatives from the National Government, County Governments, and Development partners. This committee’s primary task is to develop a comprehensive roadmap, akin to a ‘Marshall Plan,’ for inclusive economic development within one month of the document’s signing. Key sectors, such as livestock, education, water, and agriculture, will receive priority attention.
Addressing the immediate need for peace, the resolutions called for an immediate cessation of conflicts and vigilant monitoring of any incidents instigated by local leaders. Simultaneously, concerted efforts will be made to provide alternative and dignified methods for sustainable livelihoods. This includes bolstering the livestock value chain, facilitating increased market access, and improving water resources and pasture for livestock.
Recognizing the impact of marginalization on conflicts in the region, the resolutions aimed to rectify these issues by advocating for the disbursement of the Equalization Fund from the National Government to the NOREB region. These funds will address longstanding grievances and foster social cohesion.
Youth and women were acknowledged as crucial contributors to peace-building. The resolutions proposed the creation of forums, including sports events, to facilitate interactions among different counties within three months of the documents signing. This initiative seeks to harness the potential of youth and women, who often bear the brunt of conflicts.
Furthermore, the resolutions emphasized the necessity of collaboration between the National and County Governments to fortify the security structure. Urgent steps were recommended, with a three-month timeline, for the establishment of the County Policing Authority. This authority will enhance security measures and create a safer environment for all residents of the NOREB region.
Lastly, the resolutions underscored the importance of enhanced public participation to ensure the inclusivity of all citizens, particularly the youth, in the planning and implementation of peace-building initiatives. By actively involving the community, the aim is to mitigate the effects of conflict and foster a harmonious and prosperous NOREB region.
With the adoption of these comprehensive resolutions, the North Rift Economic Bloc takes a momentous stride in its quest for lasting peace, sustainable development, and social cohesion. The commitments made during this historic peace summit instill hope for a brighter future as leaders unite to transform the NOREB region into a beacon of prosperity and unity.
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