Search for Common Ground, the world’s largest peacebuilding organization operating in over 35 countries, has announced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at accelerating the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) agenda in Kenya. The organization is leading efforts in the Horn of Africa, with active programs in Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia.
Speaking to journalists in Nairobi on Tuesday, Judy Kimaru, Country Director of Search for Common Ground, emphasized the importance of youth in Kenya’s peace and development journey. She highlighted that young people form a significant demographic and are central to the growth, peace, and cohesion that the nation desires. The Youth Peace and Security National Action Plan will serve as a key framework to realize the aspirations of Kenyan youth, setting the agenda for inclusive development and harmony.
The YPS agenda is rooted in a global movement that began in 2015 when youth from various countries, including Kenya, gathered in Jordan to engage with the United Nations. This effort led to the adoption of UN Resolution 2250, which empowers young people to actively participate in peacebuilding and influence the development of peace structures and frameworks in their own countries.
The National Action Plan for Kenya focuses on several fundamental aspects. One of the primary objectives is ensuring the meaningful participation of young people in political processes, making them central to conversations and decisions that shape their future. Another key focus is the protection of youth, recognizing that young people should not be viewed as instruments of conflict or unrest but rather as individuals deserving of safety and support.
Additionally, the plan emphasizes partnership, encouraging communities and institutions to view young people as essential partners in peace rather than sources of problems. Rehabilitation and reintegration are also crucial components, particularly for young people involved in conflicts or affected by violence, as the plan seeks to support their return to normalcy through disengagement and disarmament programs.
The event brought together numerous stakeholders, including the State Department for Youth, the National Youth Council, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), the National Youth Service, and various civil society networks. Judy Kimaru expressed pride in the strong involvement of youth-led civil society coalitions, such as the National Coalition for Youth, which co-hosted the meeting. She emphasized the importance of collaboration between government entities, civil society, and grassroots organizations to create a comprehensive and inclusive approach to peace and security.
Kimaru called on like-minded partners and agencies to join the initiative, noting that Kenya aims to become the seventh African country to develop a National Action Plan for Youth, Peace, and Security. The goal is to roll out the plan within the next one to two years, well ahead of the next elections, ensuring that conversations around peace and security take place at the national, county, and grassroots levels.
To facilitate youth engagement, Search for Common Ground plans to open online channels for input and feedback, leveraging modern AI tools to gather diverse perspectives from young people across the country. Judy Kimaru encouraged youth to take an active role in shaping the plan and to connect with the National Coalition for Youth to ensure their voices are heard.