Lokichogio, 12th July 2024 (Governor’s Press Service) – Turkana Peace actors have called for urgent collaboration in applying peace building and conflict management strategies.
The peace actors met during a peace forum which concluded today in Lokichoggio. The forum supported by LOKADO, Kenya Red-cross and Danish Refugee Council (DRC) brought together both state and non-state actors to evaluate past interventions and chart a path towards enhancing peace and security in Turkana.
While officially closing the forum, Titus Lokorikeju, Turkana County Director for peace, emphasized the uniqueness of the peace and security challenges in different areas and urged actors to develop tailored interventions instead of relying on one-size-fits-all solutions.
He stated that the conflict triggers in Turkana South and East corridors, bordering other counties, significantly differed from those in Turkana West, Turkana North, and Loima, which share international borders. He stressed the importance of involving local elders and communities to create effective homegrown solutions.
“We need to establishment a joint information desk to centralize communication and coordinate interventions to prevent duplication,” he recommended.
Deputy Director for peace Benjamin Losinyono praised the legislative framework for peace interventions, citing the Peace Building and Conflict Management Act of 2022 and corresponding policy document. He encouraged peace actors to familiarize themselves with the Act and work within the legal framework.
William Losengei, Deputy Director for Administration in the Office of the Governor emphasized on the importance of joint planning of International Peace Day, Lokiriama Peace Accord, Atanayecce as well commemoration and execution of interventions.
He offered that pooling resources would enhance emergency response and improve reactions to early warnings of conflict escalation.
Lokichoggio division ACC, Victor Wanjoi reiterated national Government’s commitment to bolstering security in the Region.
During the three -day meeting, discussions centered on topics such as water scarcity as a conflict trigger, intra-community conflicts and the role of local leadership in promoting peace among neighboring communities.
The forum brought together participants from the national government, county government, community leaders, and non-governmental organizations.
