The recent move by the Ministry of Public Service and Gender to launch peace initiatives in the Kerio Valley is timely and commendable.
The programme, dubbed Pokot, Turkana and Marakwet, involves women who lost their husbands because of cattle rustling and banditry.
Potuma widows’ peace efforts programme was organised by the Ministry of Public Service and Gender in partnership with more than 14 organisations, including the Federation of Women Lawyers and the United Nations Population Fund.
Phase One was launched in Chesongoch in Elgeyo Marakwet and Sigor in West Pokot.
Chief Administrative Secretaries Linah Kilimo and Beatrice Elachi and officials from the organisations graced the event.
Kilimo and Elachi said the ministry strongly believes that women who have been affected by the vice were well placed to educate others on the need to maintain peace among themselves and their neighbours.
They said the initiative will enable the widows to spread peace.
Mothers and children have been subjected to untold suffering due to cattle rustling. They have had to flee their homes to safe areas along the escarpments.
Kerio Valley residents want a situation where they can resolve their challenges amicably without violence and can work together to improve their lives.
Insecurity caused by cattle raids and banditry has hurt the socioeconomic growth of pastoralists in the valley despite the presence of security personnel.
The region has continued to register an increased number of widows, widowers and orphans, while the poverty level has been skyrocketing because of the effects of cattle raids.
Displacement of people as a result of rampant insecurity has disrupted business activities that led to the closure of several markets, including Chesegon, Tot, Kolowa, Lomut and Arror for seven years.
The recurrent attacks have scared away potential investors from the Kerio Valley, despite enormous resources to transform the region economically.
The government and partners should, therefore, ensure the sustainability of such projects if lasting peace has to be realised.
The programme is a move in the right direction and must be supported by leaders and residents to achieve its desired goal.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
