15 August 2008

Nairobi, Kenya: Neighbourhood volunteers supported by UNV and the UN's Peacebuilding Fund are fostering coexistence after the ethnic violence that gripped Kenya earlier this year. A 'Peace Day' was recently held to recognize their achievements.

In early February 2008, UNV and UNDP, in cooperation with the Government of Kenya, conceived an Emergency Volunteer Scheme in response to the tensions that followed disputed elections in December 2007. Anchored on volunteerism, the scheme builds confidence between communities while supporting the delivery of basic services and counselling to local people, particularly those affected by the violence.

The 'Peace Day' event on 25 July took place in Nairobi North District, where 44 neighbourhood volunteers were recruited from two areas – Mathare and Huruma – to help carry out peacebuilding activities. They were recruited through the provincial administration and include retired professionals and youth leaders who live locally.  

Attended by several local officials, the event was held at the bridge between Mathare and Huruma, which once divided ethnic communities supporting the opposing Orange Democratic Movement and Party of National Unity during the elections. Guest of honour was the Nairobi Provincial Commissioner, James Waweru, who reiterated the Government's commitment to peacebuilding and commended the neighbourhood volunteers.

Political leaders also expressed their gratitude to UNV, UNDP and the neighbourhood volunteers for their work in peacebuilding and supporting the victims of post election violence. The Member of Parliament (MP) for Starehe, Bishop Margaret Wanjiru, said that plans were underway to construct a youth centre at the bridge. This would educate youths on major issues affecting them and encourage voluntary work.

The UNV Country Coordinator, Ms. Annet Mpabulungi-Wakabi told the volunteers to keep up their good work and thanked the provincial administration for their support for the Emergency Volunteer Scheme. She later planted a tree to mark the day.

The volunteer scheme was launched in March 2008 in the Dandora, Kibera and Huruma areas, and now operates in 21 districts identified as hotspots of violence. The volunteers perform a number of roles: mediating between opposing groups, talking to youth about peace and reconciliation, helping District Commissioners identify potential disturbances, and ensuring that funds and humanitarian aid are distributed evenly among communities.

Gregory Ngugi and Timothy Oluoch are neighbourhood volunteers who reside in different parts of the Dandora estate dominated by rival communities. Both Mr. Ngugi and Mr. Oluoch agree that the task ahead is challenging but are optimistic.

"We have a connection with the people at the community level and intend to use our acquired skills to bring the entire Dandora settlement together," says Mr. Ngugi. "In the background of the atrocities committed… hatred is rife," adds Mr. Oluoch. "But violence and conflict management, early warning systems, and peace and humanitarian issues are all key to us in moving forward as a united community."