UN hails Kenya's progress in achieving peace, inclusive growth

Senior UN officials on Friday hailed peace building initiatives that have promoted cohesion and shared prosperity in Kenya since 2008, when the East African nation experienced skirmishes related to election disputes. Speaking during the commemoration of the International Day of Peace, UN Resident Coordinator Nardos Bekele Thomas noted that peace and stability has strengthened Kenya's position of a regional economic and diplomatic hub. "We all know the challenges Kenya faced after the 2008 general elections but the people sent out a loud message in the March 4th polls this year by voting peacefully. The United Nations support initiatives that promote peace and security in Kenya," Thomas said. She reaffirmed the UN commitment to advance social, political and economic stability globally. Kenya has attained significant milestones in strengthening the rule of law and national cohesion. Thomas cited implementation of broad reforms that have expanded freedoms and inclusive governance. "The Kenya Vision 2030 underscores security, peace-building, conflict management and participatory governance as critical foundations for the prosperity of this nation. Without sustained peace, Kenya can not realize development and shared prosperity," Thomas said during the International Day of Peace. Government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and civil society attended the International Day of Peace whose theme was "Education for Peace". The UN humanitarian official urged the government to invest in programs that reduce poverty to deter civil disturbances. "There is an urgency to attend to 36 percent of Kenyans who live below the poverty line. Deprivation predisposes vulnerable groups to become agents of violence and crime," Thomas said. The International Peace Day takes place on Sept. 21 and the event is being organized in association with Instruments of Peace in conjunction with the United Nations as part of their public campaign for the observance of World Peace Day. The international community is concerned about small scale and protracted conflicts that have erupted in Kenya this year. "Kenya has also experienced episodes of devolution related violent conflicts in Mandela, Wajir, Marsabit and Trans Nzoia counties. This state of affairs calls for concerted effort by all stakeholders to rebuild trust, encourage reconciliation and promote development in the marginalized counties," Thomas said. The UN has partnered with the Kenyan government to strengthen the architecture of peace and conflict prevention.