In 2023, KASH implemented the Transcending Foundations of Peace and Security for Inclusive and Sustainable Development Project with the support of National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to address recurring conflicts in Sondu, a border area between Kisumu and Kericho counties. The region had suffered from decades of violence triggered by cattle theft, boundary disputes, political intolerance, and revenue collection rivalries, which intensified during anti-government protests over the cost of living. Between March and December 2023, at least five people were killed, homes and businesses were destroyed, and hundreds displaced, disrupting livelihoods and economic stability.
KASH, leveraging its peacebuilding experience, partnered with local authorities, the National Police Service, and community organizations to promote dialogue, coexistence, and reconciliation among the warring communities. The project focused on addressing the root causes of violence, strengthening security responses, promoting accurate information sharing, and empowering communities to lead their own peace and development processes.
Key Achievements
Through a series of consultations, peace dialogues, and community forums, the project reached over 1,000,000 people through radio talk shows and engaged more than 600 participants directly through local meetings. Youth, women, elders, religious leaders, and security agencies from both sides of the border participated in the discussions.
The project achieved several milestones:
- Revitalized community policing and restructured the District Peace Committees (DPCs) to include cross-border representatives.
- Established platforms for information sharing and early warning to reduce misinformation and prevent violence.
- Supported advocacy efforts that led to the establishment of a General Service Unit (GSU) camp and a DCI office in Sondu to strengthen law enforcement.
- Encouraged inter-county coordination on revenue collection and boundary demarcation, mitigating a major source of conflict.
- Promoted youth and women inclusion in peacebuilding and local decision-making.
- Facilitated counseling sessions for trauma survivors and discussions on mental health, unemployment, and substance abuse as underlying conflict drivers.
Community-Led Impact
Dialogue forums revealed that misinformation, political manipulation, and unemployment were major contributors to recurring violence. The initiative encouraged responsible information dissemination and empowered peace champions to counter divisive narratives. Women were trained as peace ambassadors, while youth forums emphasized constructive engagement and economic empowerment to reduce their vulnerability to political incitement.
Collaborative meetings between Kericho and Kisumu county officials and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) also paved the way for boundary consultations and improved cooperation among administrative and security agencies. The project’s community policing trainings strengthened trust between residents and law enforcement, resulting in quicker response to security alerts and reduced retaliation incidents.
Looking Ahead
The Sondu peace initiative demonstrated that sustainable peace is possible when communities take ownership of dialogue and reconciliation. KASH’s integrated approach—combining peacebuilding, human rights advocacy, and social cohesion—has inspired local leadership to maintain peace gains.
As a result, Sondu now enjoys enhanced security, active community policing units, and renewed hope for lasting coexistence. The project concludes with a call for continued investment in peace structures, economic empowerment, and psychosocial support for affected families—ensuring that peace, justice, and development remain cornerstones of the region’s future.
