On the 23rd of November 2023, the PRO-PEACE Kenya Project closing ceremony was hosted by ECES in Nairobi, Kenya.
It was with great honour and thrilled with enthusiasm that ECES showcased a short version movie based on the comprehensive 1h and 3min documentary, The Kenya Democratic Journey, directed by our trusted partner, filmmaker and actor, Jarreth Merz.
This documentary reflects the electoral journey of the people of Kenya throughout the 2022 general elections. In fact, it goes beyond being a mere recollection of the events, it is a documented learning tool that vividly showcases the pre-, during, and post-electoral phases of these respective elections, becoming a powerful educational tool for future trainings and sharing of experiences in the whole African continent.
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Our lessons learned ceremony counted with the presence of many important partners and stakeholders in the journey of the Pro-Peace Kenya Project, such as the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the Office Of The Registrar Of Political Parties (ORPP), and many others.
Thus, we also counted on the great presence of the people who have held together the steering wheel of this project, such as Erastus Mwencha, the former Deputy Chairperson of the African Union; Ambassador Anthony Okara, the Project Coordinator; and the Vice President of ECES Strategic and Advisory Committee, Filiberto Sebregondi.
The Pro-Peace Kenya project has shown that inclusivity and peer-to-peer discussions are effective ways to lay the groundwork for collaboration and cooperation. Community dialogues were held throughout the project with different societal groups in Kenya, from religious groups to elders to the youth. It was a holistic approach combined with a welcoming and engaging reception that nurtured discussion after discussion, lesson after lesson.
In addition to our physical presence on the ground, ECES has, in support of the NCIC, reached millions of Kenyans through our media campaigns. Specifically, the Nakuru Peace concert and the 'One Love' peace song were cultural milestones of the journey, reflective pieces of Kenya’s vibrant culture and spirit.
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It was from our understanding that, where presence cannot be met, voice can be heard that ECES was focused on spreading messages of peace and electoral integrity. Recognising the power of media in modern times, ECES has usefully installed a Media Monitoring Unit to tackle disinformation threats, not only by providing prepared answers to possible threats but also by detecting them in their early stages.
However, it is through these above-mentioned achievements that it is important to emphasise the always-consistent work and dedication of the NCIC throughout this journey. As the institution mandated to facilitate and promote equality of opportunity, good relations, harmony, and peaceful co-existence between persons of the different ethnic, religious, and racial communities of Kenya, the same was central to all our achievements. Our support for NCIC continues, and we’re thankful and honoured for our collaboration.
This closing ceremony was a memorable event filled with fruitful discussions both on our achievements and lessons learned throughout the PRO-PEACE Kenya Project.
