Who We Are
We are a passionate team of peace practitioners and development expert dedicated to apply a holistic approach to overcome conflict and poverty. Our Mission
Supporting communities affected by conflict with resources and tools to move from crisis and poverty to peace and development. Our Vision
Our Vision Peaceful and just societies free from poverty. Our Work
Pamoja for Transformation works in conflict affected communities in East Africa. We serve marginalized and disadvantaged people, including women, the youth, pastoralist and rural communities, refugees, asylum seekers, and prisoners. We support people regardless of race, religion, or nationality. Conflicts in East Africa have, among others, economic, political, cultural and ethnic dimensions. To tackle these complex challenges, we approach peace building and development holistically by integrating conflict transformation and economic development activities. Before engaging in peace-building programs, we analyze the conflict context together with the communities and partners to decide how to intervene most effectively and sustainably. Where possible, we help prevent conflict through human rights education, community dialogue, mediation or support for economic activities. Where violent conflict is ongoing, we help to manage and transform conflicts constructively. For example, we provide peace education for adults and children in refugee camps and help improve relations between refugees and the local population. Within communities emerging from violent conflicts, we support people in re-establishing economic activities and rebuilding relationships. Our Story
Pamoja for Transformation started its activities in 2007 by a group of Kenyan community peace practitioners with vast experience in non-violence peace-building. The group's involvement in peace work informed them about structural and latent conflicts as a result of weak governing systems, historical injustices, ethno-politics and economic inequalities. The explosion of these structural weaknesses were triggered by the 2007 highly contested Kenyan presidential elections that saw the country get into violence. This opened fresh wounds and long standing deep ethnic hatred causing communities to rise against others perceived as enemies. The post-election violence was a clear indication of a gap between peace and development. Kenya has been previously perceived as a haven of peace and yet there is a huge economic disparity and social status that destabilizes the national cohesion among communities. This missing link between peace work and economic development forms the basis for our interventions. This context does not only apply to Kenya, but also to the entire East Africa region, as conflicts have similar origins and dimensions. Pamoja for Transformation was registered in March 2009 as a national non-governmental organization under the NGOs regulation Act of Kenya, registration no. OP 218/051/2009/017/5617.
