Nairobi (Lamaane.net) – The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) reaffirmed its commitment to supporting an elders-led, community-driven peace process in the Laikipia Conservancy on Thursday, July 16, during a high-level meeting with leaders from Isiolo, Laikipia and Samburu counties aimed at strengthening conflict prevention, social cohesion and long-term stability in Kenya's northern pastoral region.
NCIC said the meeting was chaired by Chairperson Kepha Nyamweya Omae and brought together regional elders led by former Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi to review locally driven strategies for addressing recurring conflicts affecting pastoralist communities.
The Commission said discussions centered on strengthening dialogue, empowering traditional leadership and expanding cooperation between communities, county governments and development partners to promote peaceful coexistence.
In a statement issued after the meeting, Kepha Nyamweya Omae said NCIC would continue working closely with local communities and partner organizations to support the elders-led peace initiative. He said the Commission, which is mandated to promote national cohesion and integration, remains committed to strengthening sustainable peace through locally owned conflict-resolution mechanisms.
"The Commission remains committed to supporting community-led peace initiatives that foster unity, strengthen dialogue and promote sustainable coexistence across the country," Omae said.
NCIC said participants agreed that elders continue to play a vital role in mediation and reconciliation by resolving disputes before they escalate into wider insecurity. The Commission added that stronger coordination among traditional leaders, county administrations and development partners would improve the effectiveness of peacebuilding initiatives in areas frequently affected by resource-based conflicts.
The meeting also emphasized the importance of ensuring women and young people actively participate in peacebuilding initiatives. NCIC said participants agreed that broader community representation would strengthen conflict prevention, encourage peaceful coexistence and enhance community resilience ahead of Kenya's 2027 General Election.
Commissioners Josephine Kirion Eragae, Joseph Nguyo, Jackson Swadi Kedogo, Jerusah Mwaathime Michael, Hassan Billow Ahmed, Dr. Samuel Mwachiro Mwawasi and NCIC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Daniel Mutegi Giti attended the meeting and reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to continued collaboration with regional stakeholders.
A regional governance observer told Lamaane News Network that sustained engagement between government institutions, traditional leaders and local communities has become increasingly important in reducing tensions linked to competition over grazing land, water resources and livestock migration in northern Kenya.
The observer said locally led dialogue initiatives have strengthened trust between neighboring communities by encouraging early mediation before disputes escalate.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of continued government efforts to strengthen preventive peace mechanisms in pastoral regions that have periodically experienced conflict over natural resources and migration routes. NCIC said community participation remains central to Kenya's national cohesion strategy, with elders, women and youth playing complementary roles in promoting reconciliation and preventing violence.
NCIC said sustained cooperation among government agencies, local leaders and development partners will remain essential to strengthening stability, reinforcing national unity and supporting long-term peace across the region.
