Celebrating Peace in Action: IDP 2025 Commemorations Unite Kisumu and Nairobi in Shared Vision for National Cohesion

In commemoration of the International Day of Peace (IDP) 2025, communities in Kisumu and Nairobi Counties came together in vibrant, meaningful celebrations that underscored the power of collective action, youth engagement, and grassroots peacebuilding. Organized in partnership with civil society organizations (CSOs), government agencies, faith-based institutions, and international development partners, this year’s theme — “Action Now: Peace in Everyday Life” — was brought to life through dynamic events, dialogues, awards, and symbolic gestures of unity.

Kisumu County: A Day of Walks, Awards, and Wings of Peace

The Kisumu celebrations kicked off with a spirited Peace Walk from the city center to the iconic Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium, drawing hundreds of participants from diverse community groups, schools, youth organizations, and peace actors. The walk symbolized solidarity and the shared journey toward a more cohesive society.

At the stadium, attendees were treated to captivating cultural performances, poetry, drama, and music, all curated to reflect messages of tolerance, reconciliation, and non-violence. The energy was electric, with communities using art as a tool to communicate peace.

The highlight of the Kisumu event was the Peace Champions Awards Ceremony, where outstanding contributors to peace and social cohesion were recognized by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC). Among the honorees was the Pamoja for Transformation (P4T) team, which received a prestigious Certificate of Recognition, Trophy, and Medal for its unwavering commitment to promoting peace, dialogue, and national cohesion in Kisumu County and beyond. This recognition not only celebrates P4T’s impact but also affirms the vital role of local CSOs in sustaining peace at the grassroots level.

The day culminated in a powerful symbolic gesture — the release of a white dove, representing hope, renewal, and the collective aspiration for lasting peace. The event was graced by the presence of H.E. Governor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o and senior county officials, whose attendance underscored the County Government’s strong support for peace initiatives.

Nairobi County: Amplifying Community Voices through Art, Dialogue, and Collaboration

While Kisumu celebrated with color and movement, Nairobi hosted a parallel, yet equally impactful series of events centered on reflection, dialogue, and youth empowerment.

At the Mathare DCC Office, the Nairobi team engaged communities through an inspiring showcase of young talents in art and design, where murals, spoken word, and visual installations communicated powerful peace messages. The event created a safe, creative space for youth to express their vision of peace not as an abstract ideal, but as a lived reality in their neighborhoods.

The celebrations continued on Monday, September 22nd, with a Joint Stakeholder Reflection Forum held at the Parklands Baptist Church Hall. Organized by UNESCO-Kenya, Amani Kibera, Other CSOs, and NGAOs, the forum brought together a broad coalition of peace actors to reflect on progress, challenges, and next steps in Kenya’s peace architecture.

The centerpiece of the Nairobi forum was a high-level Panel Discussion & Plenary Engagement under the theme:

“Peace in Everyday Life: Voices from the Community Peace Actors — What Next?”

The panel featured a diverse array of voices, ensuring inclusive representation:

• Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Representative

• Youth Leaders

• Women Peacebuilders

• Religious Leader from the Islamic Community

• Refugee Community Representative

• Community Elders and Leaders

• Government Official (National and County Level)

The discussion explored practical pathways to embed peace in daily interactions from households and schools to markets and places of worship. Participants emphasized the need for sustained investment in community-led peace structures, intergenerational dialogue, and policy responsiveness to local peace priorities.

The event was honored by the presence of distinguished guests, including:

• GIZ Kenya Country Team

• UNESCO Kenya Representative

• Co-Chair, KNATCOM

• Representative of the DCC, Dagoretti

• Representative from the National Steering Committee on Peace (NSC)

Their participation signaled strong institutional alignment and commitment to Kenya’s peace agenda.

Common Threads: Unity, Recognition, and Sustained Action

Though held in different locations, both Kisumu and Nairobi celebrations shared a common thread: the recognition that peace is not passive — it is built daily, by ordinary people taking extraordinary action. From the streets of Mathare to the stadiums of Kisumu, peace was not only celebrated, it was lived.

In Closing

As the dove took flight over Kisumu and the murals in Mathare told stories of resilience, one message rang clear: Peace is possible, when we act together, listen deeply, and honor every voice.

Let us carry this spirit beyond September 21st , into our homes, our policies, and our daily choices.

#PeaceInEverydayLife #IDP2025 #ActionNow #BuildingPeaceTogether

Report compiled by (P4T Communications Team0 | Photos & Videos Available on Request | Follow us on social media for more updates.