On 25th September, Busia County hosted the NCIC Transgenerational Conversations, broadcast live on KBC. The forum brought together youth, elders, civil society organizations, county officials and community actors to discuss the drivers of conflict, the barriers to inclusion and the shared agenda for peace in Busia County. NCIC reiterated its intent to listen, not provoke, offering a platform for open dialogue within safe boundaries.
James Wanyande-NCIC highlighted that the transgenerational conversations will inform the development of a policy paper that will have an actionable framework, timelines and budget so as to ensure institutions are held accountable.
Major themes discussed:
1. Youth inclusion and meaningful participation
Sarah Martha (Dhamira Moja CBO) underscored that “the youth have not been involved in peace initiatives and they feel left out,” urging that young people be placed at the centre of dialogue and decision-making processes. This call was echoed across the forum as youth demanded not token presence but real participation.
2. Border dynamics and security considerations
Solomon Komen, Deputy County Commissioner, reminded the forum that Busia is one of the busiest border points in Kenya and that this border position shapes local governance, trade and security priorities. Cross-border flows and market activities mean that peacebuilding in Busia must link community initiatives with county and national responses. He also encouraged the youths to be informed about government policies like the NYOTA program which is giving Ksh50,000 to youth in every ward.
3. Livelihoods, dignity, and the boda-boda sector
Bonface Okumu from the Busia County Boda-Boda Association urged a shift in perception: treat boda-boda as a legitimate business, not as ‘goons for hire’. His remarks highlighted the link between decent livelihoods, social respect and prevention of violence. He also reiterated that most of the Gen Z who took part in Gen Z demos are not employed and there is need for the government to create more job opportunities.
4. Rev. Mariam Khamisi, NCCK Board Member highlighted the need to empower the youth with the right skills so that they can be self-reliant.
5. Civil society’s role and commitments
Baridi Kwa Baridi Women CBO Representing Civil Society Organizations reaffirmed their role on using the multistakeholder approach in ensuring peace is upheld in the county through using practical initiatives (skills training, psychosocial support, advocacy and community safety plans). As CSOs, we commit to bridging these generational gaps, ensuring that demands for justice and equity are heard by decision-makers.
5. Elections, civic engagement and prevention
Panelists urged continued dialogue especially as the nation moves closer to elections. Transgenerational conversations are early prevention and trust-building exercises that must be backed by accountability and follow-through. The message was clear: change happens when vote, voice and presence are exercised.
Call to action
Baridi Kwa Baridi Women CBO and partners invite county leaders, CSOs, youth groups, and community elders to join us in translating these conversations into measurable actions for peace. Contact us at baridikwabaridiwomengroup@gmail.com to collaborate on ward-level dialogues and follow-up monitoring. Peace is built when every generation talks and more importantly, when those words turn into actions.
Appreciation
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all our partners and stakeholders who supported and participated in the Transgenerational Dialogue on Peace, Governance and Cohesion in Busia County.
Our gratitude goes to:
Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) for airing the conversations and ensuring community voices reached a wider audience.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) for their unwavering partnership in advancing peace and governance.
National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) for convening and championing inclusive dialogue.
County leadership, administrators, and local stakeholders whose insights grounded the discussions in our daily realities.
Representatives from civil society organizations, women, elders, and the boda boda sector, who brought diverse and practical perspectives on building peace across generations.
And above all, the youth of Busia County, whose active participation, reminded us that the future of our county rests on their shoulders.
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