By Faith Murithi
Principal Secretary in the State Department for University Education and Research at the Ministry of Education Amb. Simon Nabukwesi has urged students and staff in higher learning institutions to be on the forefront in promoting peace during and after this year’s general elections.
In a speech that was read by the Director of University Education Mr. Darius Ogutu Mogaka during the stakeholders meeting to foster peace and cohesion in institutions of higher learning at Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) recently, the PS noted that peace is the most fundamental element in our institutions as it enhances smooth learning.
The meeting brought together Vice Chancellors of all public Universities.
The forum brought together higher education leaders and stakeholders, who were given insights into how to promote peace during the period to curb violence.
“In the recent past, we have witnessed lack of peace and cohesion during the electioneering period. It is, therefore, impressive to witness our young people through the Universities and Colleges Students’ Peace Association of Kenya (UCSPAK) taking charge through a structured approach that has specific goals that are beneficial to our present and future,” said Nabukwesi.
University students were able to have an expansive analysis of peace during the forum and were urged to uphold best practice especially during the students’ council elections.
The PS added that the government is committed to providing basic and quality education to every child through peace initiatives.
“It is the country’s desire to provide a harmonious and safe learning environment for all. The country also emphasizes education as the foundation upon which a just society needs to be built,” affirmed Nabukwesi.
The main objective of the meeting was to review and approve all UCSPAK activities as proposed by the students and reviewed by two university staff forums; the Kenya Universities Deans of Students Association (KUDSA) and the Kenya Association of Technical Training Institute (KATTI) in previous event held by UCSPAK in Migori County.
“In achieving these objectives, the State Department for University Education and Research will continuously strive to initiate specific interventions through policy initiatives, capacity development, relevant curricula, advocacy initiatives, and collaboration and partnerships,” said Amb. Nabukwesi.
He noted that education has the potential to reduce conflict, the reason behind the Ministry of Education’s adoption of a programme dubbed ‘The Peace Education Programme’. It was put together in 2008 after the horrors of the 2007 post-election violence.
Some of the programmes’ specific objectives include promoting conflict-sensitive policies and programmes within the education sector, creating awareness among learners on the causes of conflict and how to constructively resolve them, preparing learners to become good citizens in their communities, nation and the world, and to equip them with skills that promote peace and human dignity at all levels of interaction.
UCSPAK is a non-profit apolitical student association whose main objective is to promote good governance and peace in institutions of higher learning. It was formed following the 2015 Garrissa University terror attack.
