Empowering the Deaf Community for Peace and Inclusive Governance in Kisumu Ahead of 2027 Elections

Kisumu, Kenya, As political activity intensifies ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election, ensuring that every voice is heard in peacebuilding efforts is more critical than ever.

On October 12, 2026, Pamoja for Transformation Trust convened a landmark Single and Cross Identity Dialogue, bringing together Deaf community members from Kisumu Central, Kisumu East, and Kisumu West sub-counties.

Held under the Strengthening Community Resilience for Accountable Governance project and generously supported by Act! through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark in Kenya, the dialogue focused on fostering nonviolence, mutual support, and resilient communities.

Building Bridges and Life Skills The interactive session provided a safe, inclusive space for participants to explore nonviolent conflict transformation and essential life skills. By bridging identities and experiences, the dialogue highlighted the unique challenges faced by the Deaf community in civic participation and governance.

Key Outcomes of the Dialogue:

• Shared Experiences: Participants openly discussed the intersection of their identities and the specific vulnerabilities they face during political cycles.

• Identified Challenges: The community mapped out barriers to inclusive participation in local governance and peacebuilding initiatives.

• Collaborative Mechanism: A major breakthrough of the dialogue was the collective agreement to establish a collaborative, community-led mechanism for preventing and resolving conflicts peacefully.

Looking Toward 2027 This initiative is a vital step in strengthening the Deaf community’s role as active agents of peace. By equipping them with the tools for nonviolent conflict transformation, Pamoja for Transformation Trust is ensuring that the Deaf community is not just included in, but actively shapes, the narrative for a peaceful and accountable 2027 General Election.

Pamoja for Transformation Trust extends its profound gratitude to Act! and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark for their unwavering support in making this vital dialogue a reality. Together, we are building a Kenya where no one is left behind.