Youths in Machakos County are now part of a multi-sectoral forum on peace and security following an initiative by County Commissioner Josephine Ouko.

Ouko has established a County Multi-Sectoral Coordination and Collaboration Forum on peace and security which will help build bridges among conflicting parties.

The Forum brings together various stakeholders in the county such as Local Peace Committee, Nyumba Kumi officials, Organised Youth-Led Organisation, National government departments, county government, NGOs, Boda boda sector, religious leaders and People with Disability.

Ouko said the aim of the forum is to foster dialogue and collaboration among different conflicting sectors which will encourage and promote peace and security in the county.

Sources of conflict

Speaking during the launch of the forum at the Machakos Tourism and Culture boardroom yesterday, Ouko emphasised the importance of identifying sources of conflict and addressing the grievances early enough in relation to the protests that have rocked the country in the past few months.

She added that it is the responsibility of every committee member to foster peace by building trust and promoting interactions with Gen Z which will help reduce the violence and destruction of property during protests. Ouko decried the expenses the government has had to incur when using teargas every week yet those funds could be used to bring development to the country.

Additionally, she noted that the responsibility of the forum is to enhance conflict early warning and response with the youth and also to facilitate conflict resolution and dispute settlement. “Interact with your children and the youth and get to know their grievances so that we can address their issues before it gets out of hand,” said Ouko.