#AmaniKwaGround kicks off in Marsabit to tackle Kenya’s deepening divides

A new series of national dialogues aimed at tackling Kenya’s growing societal and generational challenges has begun in Marsabit, bringing together citizens and leaders in a joint effort to rebuild trust, promote inclusion and address deep-rooted frustrations.

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), in partnership with the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), launched the first of its Transgenerational Conversations under the theme #AmaniKwaGround, with a strong focus on listening to the voices of communities often left out of policy processes.

The town hall forum, held in Marsabit, drew a wide mix of participants, including elders, youth, women, scholars, local leaders and policymakers.

Topics ranged from youth unemployment and governance failures to widening gaps between generations and long-standing tensions within communities.

The open discussions were moderated by KBC anchors Kamche Menza and Abdiaziz Hashim, who guided conversations that aimed to bridge divides and spark honest reflection.

“We are at an inflexion point, and the conversation must begin at the grassroots,” said NCIC Commissioner Danvas Makori. “

This is not about us speaking to people, it’s about facilitating people-led, people-focused, and inclusive conversations.”

Makori noted that the Gen Z-led protests against the 2024 Finance Bill highlighted deeper societal problems that had long been ignored, especially the sidelining of young people in national decision-making.

“Long before the protests, we saw the signs, youth apathy, low voter turnout, and growing frustration. That’s why we created this framework for Transgenerational Conversations in 2023, to listen, engage, and act,” he said.

Marsabit was chosen as the launch site for the series due to its history of inter-community violence and the role local dialogue has played in restoring peace.

“When conflict flared here, it was community dialogues, 24 sustained engagements that helped calm tensions. Solutions came from the people themselves,” Makori said, adding that the town’s experience offers a powerful example of how grassroots engagement can build sustainable peace.

The #AmaniKwaGround forums are expected to continue in other counties, each designed to centre ordinary voices in shaping Kenya’s future and fostering national unity across generations.