The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has embarked on a programme of inculcating the spirit of cohesion and peace building amongst pupils in schools.

NCIC Commissioner Philip Okundi said they were engaging schools to set up forums dubbed Amani clubs to promote peace building and conflict resolution.

Eng Okundi said the initiative was expected to involve learners in all counties to inculcate in them the spirit of cohesion early in life.

He explained that Amani clubs used to exist in schools but the programme faded but that it was time to revive the clubs in the institutions.

The NCIC commissioner spoke Thursday when he met education and security officials in Homa Bay town where they discussed ways of establishing the forum.

He said so far schools in 32 counties have already embraced the initiative and were having active clubs.

Eng Okundi said revival of Amani clubs was expected to address issues like the Gen Z protest.

ccording to Mr Okundi, the protests could have been stopped throug
h participatory conversation.

NCIC Deputy Director in charge of public outreach Kilian Nyambu described the Amani clubs as a platform where learners will be moulded to be responsible citizens.

‘Students should be integrated and empowered to resolve conflicts and differences in an orderly and non-violent way both within schools and the larger community,’ Mr Nyambu said.

He said learners need to understand that as much as there is conflict in life, there is always a way of solving conflict without resorting to violence.

Homa Bay County Education Director Eunice Khaemba said the clubs will provide a platform for learners to interrogate issues affecting them.

She explained that most problems raised by learners can be traced to homes, saying that most learners do not get an opportunity to engage in conversations about issues affecting them.

‘Some of our children have committed suicide for lack of forums to express themselves,’ Ms Khaemba said.

She said the club will solve most of the issues being raised by
the young generation.

Homa Bay Deputy County Commissioner Charles Mwayaya said what students will discuss in the clubs should be replicated in homes and villages.

He explained that the club will encourage people to promote peace as the same message will be passed by national government administrators during public barazas.

Source: Kenya News Agency