The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has assured Kenyans of its independence, dismissing claims that it could be used as a political tool.
Speaking in Kisumu during the Transgenerational Conversations forum, NCIC Chairman Dr. Samuel Kobia said the commission answers only to the Constitution and remains committed to promoting national unity.
“NCIC is not being used and cannot be used as a political tool. We are an independent commission, we are not answerable to anybody other than the Constitution,” Dr. Kobia said.
The Kisumu forum, held at the Mama Grace Onyango Social and Cultural Centre, brought together voices across generations to address concerns ranging from governance and accountability, youth unemployment, security, and conflicts such as the Sondu-Ahero border tension.
Dr. Kobia announced that all issues raised during the nationwide forums will be compiled into a report, after which an implementation committee will be formed to task relevant agencies with concrete action to address grievances raised by the youth.
“We assure Gen Z that the policymaking process begins here today with what we are doing. This will be translated into policy, meaning you have already contributed to that process,” he added.
NCIC Commissioner Philip Okundi underscored the importance of intergenerational engagement, stressing that peace is key to economic growth and requires responsibility from all age groups.
“All age groups are important in the process of ensuring we have peace in the country. Everyone has a role to play and must converse with the other. Peace drives our economy,” he said.
“NCIC advocates for one people, one nation, and one destiny. We are engaging parastatals to assess how they employ and how public resources are distributed. We need to ensure regional balance so that everyone has an equal opportunity to be considered,” he added.
Speakers at the forum, however, urged the government and political leaders to address pressing issues affecting the youth, particularly Gen Z, to foster lasting peace in the country.
Human rights defender Jovian Zuena observed that youth unrest, strikes in the health sector, and the Sondu border conflict are indicators that Kenya is far from achieving sustainable peace.
“The border conflict in Sondu needs to be addressed. Businesses are closing early and schools have been shut down. I’m glad that NCIC has started conversations to end the conflict. The leadership should spearhead dialogue to clearly define the border and establish who is responsible for what,” she said.
Her remarks were echoed by Maseno University Students’ Organisation President Benjamin Anditi, who noted that young people feel excluded from policy-making despite their central role in political mobilization.
“Gen Z feel their grievances are not addressed by the government. That is why they resort to less peaceful methods to voice their concerns,” he said, urging dialogue over confrontation.
The Transgenerational Conversations forums are organised in collaboration with the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) to facilitate national healing and trust-building but also to shape policy frameworks that bridge generational divides for long-term peace.
