By: James Kilonzo Bwire
Worth Noting:
- One key advantage of empowering the NCIC is the wealth of institutional knowledge and experience it has accumulated. The commission has developed a deep understanding of Kenya’s complex ethnic dynamics, historical grievances, and the nuanced approaches required to address them1. This expertise is invaluable and would take years for a new commission to replicate.
- Moreover, the NCIC has established crucial partnerships and networks with various public institutions, civil society organizations, and development partners1. These relationships are essential for implementing cohesion initiatives effectively. A new commission would need to start from scratch in building these vital connections, potentially slowing down progress in peace-building efforts.
The proposal to create a new commission for peace building in Kenya has faced opposition from the National Assembly Committee on Cohesion and Equal Opportunities. This committee’s stance, advocating for the empowerment of the existing National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), presents a prudent and pragmatic approach to addressing Kenya’s ongoing challenges in fostering national unity and social cohesion.
The NCIC, established in 2008 following the post-election violence of 2007-2008, has been at the forefront of efforts to promote national unity, mitigate ethnic conflicts, and foster a sense of belonging among all Kenyans1. While the commission has faced challenges, it has made significant strides in conflict resolution, ethnic audits, and promoting inclusive policies across various sectors of Kenyan society.
Creating a new commission would not only be redundant but could potentially undermine the progress made by NCIC over the past 15 years. The duplication of efforts and resources would likely lead to bureaucratic inefficiencies and confusion among stakeholders. Instead, focusing on strengthening and empowering the NCIC is a more strategic and cost-effective approach to achieving the nation’s cohesion goals.
One key advantage of empowering the NCIC is the wealth of institutional knowledge and experience it has accumulated. The commission has developed a deep understanding of Kenya’s complex ethnic dynamics, historical grievances, and the nuanced approaches required to address them1. This expertise is invaluable and would take years for a new commission to replicate.
Moreover, the NCIC has established crucial partnerships and networks with various public institutions, civil society organizations, and development partners1. These relationships are essential for implementing cohesion initiatives effectively. A new commission would need to start from scratch in building these vital connections, potentially slowing down progress in peace-building efforts.
The committee’s recommendation to empower the NCIC aligns with principles of good governance and efficient resource utilization. By channeling additional resources and support to the existing commission, the government can enhance its capacity to address current challenges more effectively. This could include increasing the NCIC’s funding, expanding its mandate where necessary, and providing additional tools and technologies to carry out its mission more efficiently.
Empowering the NCIC would send a strong message about the government’s commitment to continuity and long-term strategies in addressing national cohesion issues. It would demonstrate recognition of the commission’s past efforts and a commitment to building upon its achievements rather than starting anew.
However, this empowerment should not be without critical evaluation and reform. The government and relevant stakeholders should conduct a thorough review of the NCIC’s performance, identifying areas for improvement and innovation. This could involve streamlining processes, enhancing accountability measures, and ensuring that the commission’s strategies align with the evolving needs of Kenyan society.
One potential area for enhancement could be the NCIC’s role in education and youth engagement. The commission has already been involved in establishing Amani (Peace) Clubs in learning institutions1. Expanding and deepening these initiatives could have a profound impact on shaping a more cohesive future generation of Kenyans.
Additionally, the NCIC’s work in conducting ethnic audits and promoting inclusive policies in both national and county governments should be strengthened1. This function is crucial in ensuring equitable representation and resource distribution, which are fundamental to national cohesion.
The commission’s research and publication efforts on cohesion-related issues should also be bolstered. By providing evidence-based insights and policy recommendations, the NCIC can play a more significant role in shaping public discourse and government policies related to national unity1.
In conclusion, the parliamentary committee’s opposition to creating a new peace-building commission in favor of empowering the NCIC is a wise and pragmatic decision. It recognizes the value of building upon existing structures and experiences rather than reinventing the wheel. By strengthening the NCIC, Kenya can more effectively address its cohesion challenges, leveraging years of institutional knowledge and established networks.
As Kenya continues to navigate its complex social and political landscape, a robust and empowered NCIC can serve as a crucial pillar in building a more united and cohesive nation. The focus should now be on providing the necessary resources, support, and reforms to enable the NCIC to fulfill its mandate more effectively, ultimately contributing to a more harmonious and prosperous Kenya for all its citizens.
James Kilonzo Bwire is a Media and Communication Practitioner.
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