Kenyan MPs’ wives to become peace ambassadors

Some of the wives of members of parliament wait for First Lady Margaret Kenyatta during the opening of national cohesion conference at Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi Monday. [PHOTO: ELVIS OGINA/STANDARD]

NAIROBI: Wives of Members of Parliament are gearing up to spearhead national cohesion and peace building.

The MPs' wives converged at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) for a training workshop that ends today under the stewardship of the Directorate of National Cohesion and National Values which is under the Ministry of Interior and Co-ordination of National Government.

The training will see the women, who have formed an association dubbed National Assembly Lady Spouses Association of Kenya (Nalsa), trained on how to strategically use their influence in their constituencies to promote national unity and cohesion.

The workshop was officiated by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta. Directorate of National Cohesion and Integration Secretary Michael Ndung'u said the two-day training was meant to empower the women on practical approaches for national cohesion.

"The lady spouses will be trained on national values and how they can contribute to peace and reconciliation in the country. Lack of experience and capacity has hindered the women from reaching their full potential despite their ability to demystify negative cultural beliefs," Mr Ndung'u said.

DEVELOP NETWORKS

He said their partnership with Nalsa and the training will help them develop networks at the grassroots level and help warn against pending conflict.

The First Lady said women are often excluded in peace talks adding that they need to increase their participation in the decision making process in all spheres of life.

"Nalsa is leading the way in uniting the country across tribal, religious and political lines. I encourage the convener of this conference to organise initiatives around the country starting at the sub-county level," she said.