Wajir banking on 'Usalama ni jukumu la pamoja' initiative to foster peace

Wajir East Deputy County Commissioner George Onyango (in red] together with team from IOm during the community engagement football tournament. [Mohamed Saman, Standard]

Wajir County is now banking on a new initiative to drive and foster peace across the county.

Dubbed ‘Usalama ni Jukumu la Pamoja’, the initiative is a joint partnership between the county and a Canadian-based firm International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

The initiative aims to strengthen community law enforcement efforts across the county while enhancing trust and collaboration between residents and security agencies.

To kick start the project, a series of impactful activities took place starting with a one-day workshop that brought together chiefs, elders, religious leaders, and women providing a platform for dialogue on issues affecting security and how to work together in solving them.

This was followed by a spirited football match between the community and law enforcement officers where Madina FC triumphed over the Kenya Defence Forces FC in a penalty shootout.

The tournament fostered a sense of unity, highlighting the importance of teamwork and collaboration between residents and security forces.

Speaking at the event, Wajir East DCC George Onyango emphasised the importance of strengthening the bond between the community and security agencies.

"Building strong ties between the community and the security apparatus is essential for promoting peace and fostering better understanding," said Onyango.

His sentiments were echoed by Antony Ndungu from the Border Management Secretariat who emphasised the importance of close collaboration between communities and law enforcement to maintain secure borders.

Ndungu said security is a shared responsibility that ultimately fosters peace and thus such initiatives are welcome.

The project marks a significant step forward in building trust and cooperation between Wajir residents and law enforcement agencies, ensuring a safer and more harmonious future for the region.