The countdown is on as the Amani Club National Debating Championship for Peace set to kicks off from April 7 -10 in Machakos County, hosted across the grounds of Machakos Girls High School and Machakos School.
Machakos County is expected to come alive with colour, vibrancy, and the youthful energy of students passionate about peace.
Officials say all logistics — accommodation, venues, transport, and adjudication — are already in place.
This year’s event brings together hundreds of students from all corners of the country, united by a shared mission: to use dialogue, debate, and critical thinking to champion peace-building and national cohesion.
The 2026 theme — “Dialogue Over Division: Youth Voices for a Peaceful and United Country” — reflects the urgent need to amplify young people’s role in strengthening Kenya’s social fabric.
Western region schools have lined up an impressive team in both the senior and junior categories, hoping to replicate and surpass their outstanding run at the 2025 national finals hosted at Koyonzo Boys High School.
Senior category representatives include ACK Namulungu Secondary School, Nanyeni Secondary School, St Peter’s Mumias Boys High School, Butere Boys High School, Booker Academy, St Monica Chakol, and Tigoi Girls.
ACK Namulungu Secondary School will make its second appearance on the national stage with hopes of glory.
Namulungu’s rise is credited to the dedication and vision of the school’s Deputy Principal, Kennedy Kunani, who also serves as the national peace advocate and the Amani Club’s national chairperson.
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St Peter’s Mumias Boys High School will be appearing at the national stage as trailblazers. The school is among the pioneers of Amani Clubs in the Western region and has mentored countless peace ambassadors.
“Our consistency has set a benchmark, inspiring many schools to join the movement,” said Chrispinus Owino, the School Principal.
Joysil Preparatory School from Matungu, a rising star of peace in education, shoulders the burden of the region’s Junior Category.
The school director, Sylvester Musikoyo, said he has been building a formidable team that has earned a reputation in peace-centred writing and debate.
“We train our learners to understand peace not as an abstract idea, but as a daily practice,” said Musikoyo.
The school has clinched multiple trophies in national essay competitions and now enters the championships eager to make its mark in debating.
Amani Clubs were launched by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) after the 2007–2008 post-election violence to cultivate unity, discipline, tolerance, and peace-building values among school-going children.
Over the years, Amani Clubs have transformed school cultures through peer mentorship, debate and essay competitions, conflict-resolution activities both inside and outside schools, and cultural exchange events.
Education and peace stakeholders agree that this year’s theme carries heightened significance as Kenya continues working to strengthen unity and cohesion.
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Kunani said preparations for this year’s national championship are complete, and the teams will be entering Machakos with confidence: “This year’s championship will surpass previous editions,” he said. “Our students are ready to shine.”
“When the youth speak for peace, a nation listens,” Kunani added. “When they debate for peace, a nation heals.”
Kenya’s youthful population constitutes over 75 percent of the citizens. Schools are the earliest training grounds for unity and coexistence. Debate builds critical thinking, empathy, and respectful engagement, and Amani Clubs help break ethnic, religious, and social barriers.
The 2024 championship, held at Koyonzo Boys High School, remains one of the most successful editions in the program’s history — showcasing Western Kenya’s commitment to nurturing peace champions.
This legacy is fueling high expectations this year as the region eyes national trophies and top honours.
As delegations arrive in Machakos for four days of rigorous, inspiring, and transformative debate, one thing is clear: Kenya’s future peacemakers are already here — in classrooms, in debate halls, and on Amani Club stages.
By Victor Ngecho
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