NCIC’S FIVE-POINT PEACE MISSION: EARLY WARNING, MEDIATION AND PEACEBUILDING — COMMISIONER SWADI
By Jeff Kizzilah Digital Editor
NAIROBI, KENYA | OCTOBER 7, 2026
NCIC Commissioner Swadi has called on Kenyans, particularly the youth, to take an active role in promoting peace, national unity and peaceful political participation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a two-day stakeholders’ engagement between the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) and youth representatives from across Nairobi, Commissioner Swadi explained that the Commission’s role is not to operate as a police force or a court, but to promote dialogue, mediation, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.
He emphasised the importance of creating platforms where young people can champion peaceful elections, reject violence and bring communities together despite their political and ethnic differences.
“We are ready to provide good platforms for the youth to champion violence-free elections,” Swadi said, highlighting the need to involve young people in peacebuilding initiatives as the country prepares for the 2027 polls.
The two-day meeting brought together youth stakeholders from across Nairobi to discuss ways of preventing election-related violence, strengthening community relationships and encouraging responsible political participation.
The engagement comes at a critical time as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the next General Election, raising the importance of early interventions to prevent hostility, political intolerance and violence.
Commissioner Swadi’s message underscored the need for Kenyans to understand the role of NCIC in fostering national cohesion while recognising that peacebuilding requires collective responsibility from political leaders, communities, civil society and young people.
As Kenya approaches the 2027 elections, the Commission is seeking to position the youth not merely as participants in the political process, but also as key champions of peace, tolerance and national unity.
The message is clear: Kenya’s political differences should never become a reason for violence, and young people must be part of the solution in safeguarding the country’s democratic future.
