Baridi Kwa Baridi Women CBO joined the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) and stakeholders from across Busia County for aa one day of a sensitization forum on the Commission’s Roadmap Towards a Violence-Free 2027 General Election, under the Uchaguzi Bila Noma initiative.
The engagement provided a platform for stakeholders to examine the challenges that could undermine peaceful electioneering in Busia County and identify practical, community-driven measures to prevent conflict, strengthen early response and promote peaceful coexistence throughout the electoral cycle.
Strengthening a shared commitment to peace
Commissioner Hon. Swadi Kedogo officially opened the forum, emphasising the importance of peace as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election. The Commission’s Director of Research and Knowledge Management, Ms. Millicent Okatch, presented the Roadmap Towards a Violence-Free 2027 General Election, highlighting the need for collective action, multi-stakeholder collaboration and sustained commitment to national cohesion.
NCIC Nyanza Regional Coordinator Castro Baraza also presented the Commission’s mandate in promoting peace, preventing conflict and supporting conflict management at regional and county levels. The subsequent plenary discussion enabled participants to reflect on community-level challenges and explore opportunities for stronger collaboration in conflict prevention and resolution.
The forum brought together representatives from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the County Commissioner’s office, Deputy County Commissioners, community policing structures, village elders, the business community represented by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), civil society organisations, persons with disabilities, youth, women, boda boda leadership and Alupe University students, among other stakeholders.
Addressing barriers to peaceful electioneering in Busia
Discussions highlighted several challenges that require collective attention ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Political intolerance was identified as a concern that can weaken relationships among communities and undermine constructive democratic engagement. Participants also raised concerns about tokenistic engagement by political leaders, particularly where community participation does not translate into meaningful attention to citizens’ concerns.
Youth unemployment was discussed in the context of young people’s vulnerability to political exploitation, including recruitment into activities that may trigger disorder and electoral violence. Participants further highlighted the negative use of social media, particularly the circulation of hate speech, inflammatory messages and content that can deepen divisions.
These challenges underscored the importance of addressing the drivers of conflict before they escalate, rather than relying solely on interventions after violence has occurred.
Stakeholders identify practical measures for prevention and early response
Following the deliberations, participants committed to a set of measures aimed at strengthening peacebuilding and conflict prevention in Busia County.
1. Intensified community sensitisation against hate speech
Stakeholders committed to continuing public awareness initiatives that discourage hate speech, incitement and political intolerance. Communities were encouraged to reject divisive messaging, including inflammatory content circulated through social media, and to promote responsible communication.
2. Embracing diversity and peaceful coexistence
Participants called on residents to respect one another across political, social and community differences. Busia’s diversity should be recognised as a shared strength, not exploited to create divisions or hostility.
3. Strengthening ward-based peace committees
Ward-based peace committees were identified as important community structures for early warning and early response. Through stronger information sharing, community engagement and timely communication with relevant authorities, these committees can help identify emerging tensions and support appropriate interventions before conflicts escalate.
4. Promoting peace charters among political aspirants
Stakeholders called for political aspirants to sign and uphold peace charters, demonstrating a commitment to peaceful campaigns, responsible political communication and the rejection of violence and incitement.
5. Sustaining peace messaging throughout the electoral cycle
Participants emphasised that peacebuilding must extend beyond individual forums or campaign periods. Government institutions, civil society, community leaders, young people, women, religious leaders and business representatives all have a role in consistently promoting tolerance, peaceful participation and non-violent dispute resolution.
From commitments to community action
For Baridi Kwa Baridi Women CBO, the forum reinforced the importance of locally grounded peacebuilding and collaboration among institutions and communities. Preventing electoral violence requires more than declarations of commitment; it calls for practical action, trusted community structures, responsible leadership and the willingness of citizens to challenge divisive conduct.
The proposed use of ward-based peace committees for early warning and early response is particularly important in ensuring that emerging tensions are communicated and addressed in a timely manner. Similarly, peace charters and continued public sensitisation can help reinforce expectations of responsible conduct among political aspirants and their supporters.
As the country approaches the 2027 General Election, the responsibility for peaceful elections extends beyond electoral and security institutions. Every stakeholder and citizen has a part to play in protecting lives, relationships, livelihoods and the stability of our communities.
Peace, once lost, can be difficult to restore. It is therefore a responsibility we must share and a public good we must protect.
Baridi Kwa Baridi Women CBO calls on all residents of Busia County to reject hate speech, respect diversity, resolve disagreements peacefully and become ambassadors of peace in their homes, workplaces and communities.
Together, let us work towards a peaceful, inclusive and violence-free 2027 General Election.
Uchaguzi Bila Noma Our Diversity, Our Strength; Our Peace, Our Responsibility.
This engagement was held under NCIC’s sensitisation efforts towards the Roadmap for a Violence-Free 2027 General Election, with support from development partners including UNDP Kenya and KOICA Kenya Office.
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