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Five counties in the North Rift have agreed to further strengthen peace in areas affected by conflict, especially as a result of banditry.

The move is aimed at cementing gains made by the government, which has been carrying out a voluntary disarmament exercise that has seen more than 350 illegal guns surrendered.

Representatives from the counties participated in a peace meeting at Orwa in West Pokot, which brought together key leaders and stakeholders who committed to enhancing regional harmony, cooperation and sustainable peace across the North Rift.

The forum brought together representatives from West Pokot, Samburu, Turkana, Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet. It was facilitated by Interpeace, an international peacebuilding organisation.

Discussions at the forum focused on strengthening conflict resolution mechanisms, enhancing inter-county collaboration and promoting sustainable peace initiatives across the region.

From West Pokot County, the meeting was attended by Special Programmes chief officer Daniel Lopale, county peace director Rev. Jackson Alukusia, county peace coordinator Renson Apakamoi and representatives from the national government.

Key issues addressed during the meeting included amplifying the voices of local communities, identifying major impediments to peace and developing strategies to enhance community resilience within the North Rift.

Apakamoi said peace was a key catalyst for development and that his county would push for more forums on peace and reconciliation involving communities.

“We have planned to have more peace forums involving our community members so that we tap into what has so far been done to strengthen peace in our region,” he said.

Governors in the region endorsed ongoing peace initiatives aimed at uniting communities in the North Rift.

Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomurkai said he had personally engaged in strengthening internal and cross-border peace to enable residents to participate in development programmes.

“The county under my leadership has been intentional on cross-border peace, pastoralism support, water provision and livelihood improvement, not politics,” Lomorukai said.

He listed projects undertaken by the county, saying his goal is to create an enabling environment for peaceful co-existence, trade and sustainable development in border areas.

Separately, Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisely Rotich hailed efforts by the national government to eliminate banditry, which has affected North Rift counties.

He said Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen had done commendable work in leading peace and security efforts in the region.

“We support the work being done by the CS and his security team, and we believe they will finally end the banditry menace in our region,” Rotich said.