24/07/2026
Strengthening Peace through Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) and Inclusive Dialogue.
Yesterday, partners implementing the Together for Religious Freedom (TOFORB) Project, together with Search for Common Ground Kenya , Kenya Community Support Centre (KECOSCE) and MUHURI convened key state institutions at the National Learning and Policy Dialogue Forum on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) held at Argyle Grand Hotel, Nairobi.
The forum highlighted the progress made through locally led dialogue, collaboration among faith leaders and strengthened community–police engagement across Garissa, Lamu and Tana River Counties. It also provided an opportunity for national institutions to share practical approaches for sustaining peace, protecting fundamental freedoms and strengthening accountability.
The National Steering Committee on Peacebuilding (NSC) emphasized that lasting peace can only be achieved through deliberate collaboration between government, civil society, community leaders and local peace structures. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reaffirmed that Freedom of Religion or Belief remains a constitutional right that is fundamental to peaceful coexistence and the protection of human dignity.
The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) underscored that preventing violent extremism requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach that prioritizes social inclusion, economic empowerment and strong partnerships with faith leaders and local communities. The Centre further emphasized the importance of early warning systems, digital peacebuilding, countering hate speech, protecting religious and civic spaces and empowering women and youth as leaders in conflict prevention and peacebuilding.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) noted that police accountability is a shared responsibility that cannot be achieved by oversight institutions alone. It stressed that transparency, respect for human rights and community trust are essential for effective policing. IPOA also called for stronger institutional partnerships, routine community–police dialogue, collaborative early warning mechanisms and continuous human rights training for police officers to strengthen public confidence and peaceful coexistence.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) encouraged the promotion of constitutional values, intergenerational dialogue, responsible use of emerging technologies and early preparation for peaceful 2027 elections.
The forum also brought together representatives from the National Assembly, including Hon. Charles Nguna, Member of Parliament for Mwingi West Constituency, Hon Rahema Former County MP Tana River as well as Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) from Muranga County. Their participation reinforced the critical role of legislative institutions at both the national and county levels in advancing inclusive governance, strengthening peacebuilding efforts, safeguarding fundamental freedoms and supporting policies that promote social cohesion and sustainable peace.
The forum reaffirmed the collective commitment of all stakeholders to transform local peacebuilding successes into stronger national systems that protect fundamental freedoms, promote social cohesion, and build a more peaceful, inclusive & resilient Kenya.
