Nakuru County Joins Rift Valley Region in Inaugural Peace and Climate Action Festival



The County Government of Nakuru, through its Department of Culture, participated in the first edition of the Peace and Climate Action Festival alongside other Rift Valley region counties. The two-day event aimed to sensitize communities on the use of culture to promote peace, cohesion, and integration among communities affected by banditry. The festival, themed “Our Culture towards National Cohesion, Integration, Peace and Climate Action,” was graced by Deputy Governor of Baringo County, H.E. Felix Maiyo, who praised the initiative for leveraging cultural heritage to foster a peaceful society.

H.E. Maiyo encouraged the youth in the region to join cultural groups, emphasizing the role of music and cultural expression in promoting unity. He expressed his commitment to supporting the idea of making the festival an annual event, hosted progressively by the participating counties. This commitment underscores the importance of continuity in peace-building efforts and cultural preservation.

The festival brought together Peace Ambassadors and cultural groups from Baringo, West Pokot, Marakwet, Turkana, Samburu, Laikipia, and Narok counties. The collaborative effort showcased a regional commitment to addressing insecurity and fostering a sense of community through cultural activities.

Day one of the event focused on Climate Action, highlighted by the symbolic planting of trees at Marigat Boys High School. This activity aligned with the national goal of environmental conservation and symbolized unity, growth, and peaceful coexistence. The act of planting trees not only contributed to environmental sustainability but also served as a metaphor for nurturing peace and harmony within the communities.

Throughout the festival, cultural groups performed songs and dances imbued with peace messages, demonstrating the power of music in fostering cohesion and understanding among diverse communities. The performances highlighted how cultural expressions can be harnessed to address complex social issues such as insecurity and conflict.

Nakuru County Director for Culture, Erick Muriuki, commended the critical role that music and cultural activities play in promoting peace, cohesion, and coexistence. He emphasized the importance of empowering Peace Ambassadors and cultural groups to spread these values within their communities. By engaging these groups, the festival aimed to create a ripple effect, encouraging broader community participation in peace-building efforts.

The event was attended by various officials, including Baringo County Commissioner Steven Kutwa, Baringo County CECM for Culture and Devolution, Directors of Culture from Baringo and Narok, and partners such as NRT, USAID, Midriff Hurinet, GDC choir, Rift Valley Permanent Presidential Music Commission (PPMC), Interpeace, and representatives from Lake Nakuru State Lodge, among others.

The importance of sensitization cannot be overstated. By raising awareness and educating communities on the benefits of peace and cultural cohesion, the festival aimed to cultivate a more harmonious and integrated society. Sensitization efforts like these help bridge gaps between communities, reduce tensions, and create a platform for dialogue and mutual understanding. This festival, through its cultural and environmental activities, highlighted the essential role that informed and engaged communities play in sustaining peace and promoting a cohesive, integrated society.

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