Residents of Turkana County have been urged to prioritize education for their children and embrace peaceful coexistence to pave the way for a prosperous future. This call to action was made during a peace initiative organized by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) in Kakuma, Turkana West.
Dr. Raymond Nyeris, Vice-Chairman of KNCHR, emphasized the critical role of education in shaping the county’s future. He noted that a well-educated population is vital for the county’s administration and development. “Let us take our children to school. It is good to educate them so that they can have a good future. If we do not educate our children, the county will lack educated people to employ,” Dr. Nyeris stated, highlighting education as an undeniable human right that every child deserves.
Education, according to Dr. Nyeris, serves as a powerful tool for empowering the next generation and fostering long-term peace in the region. Empowering children with knowledge not only improves their individual prospects but also strengthens the community’s resilience against conflict and instability.
The county government echoed these sentiments, pledging to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure equitable resource distribution. Turkana West Sub-County Administrator Christine Nalemsekon stressed the importance of citizens living in harmony to fully enjoy their rights. “As the government, we have a responsibility to ensure citizens enjoy their rights. However, citizens have a duty to live peacefully so the State can protect you while enjoying those rights,” she remarked.
Nalemsekon also noted the positive impact of upgrading Kakuma’s status to a municipality, which has attracted investment and improved economic opportunities for both refugees and host communities. Currently, Kakuma hosts over 300,000 refugees, contributing to a total of 800,000 refugees across Kenya.
UNHCR Senior Protection Officer Janet Pima underscored the need for joint efforts to uphold human rights for both refugees and host communities. She called for collective action to address the unique challenges faced by these groups, emphasizing their interconnectedness.
The peace initiative demonstrated the intertwined roles of education, peaceful coexistence, and economic development in shaping Turkana’s future. By embracing these pillars, the county can unlock new opportunities, foster harmony, and build a sustainable future for all its residents.
