Lodwar, November 18, 2024 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

Cheparkong Jacklyne Jeruto, the Youth Senate member for West Pokot, has urged the youth in Turkana and West Pokot counties to abandon harmful traditions that fuel conflict and embrace climate action as a path to sustainable development.

Speaking at a forum organized by the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) in Lodwar, Jeruto highlighted the disproportionate impact of cattle raids and tribal hostilities on women and youth.

She called on these groups to lead grassroots communication and foster engagement to pave the way for lasting peace.

“The narrative will only change if youth and women come together to build bridges of trust and collaboration at the grassroots level,” she said.

Additionally, the youth senator emphasized the need for dialogue and cooperation between the two counties along all the shared border areas.

She also underscored the urgency of addressing climate change, noting the adverse effects already being felt in the two counties.

Jeruto rallied the youth and women to heed the President’s call to plant trees, an initiative aimed at mitigating the worsening impacts of climate change.

“Through sustained dialogue on peace and the right climate action like tree planting, the youth and women will create a promising path to healing and sustainable development for our communities,” she added.

The COMESA forum, attended by representatives from Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopian, aimed to empower actors in the peace building sector with mediation skills and take up the role when called upon to do so by the community during times of conflict over pasture resources.