•While Kenya has made significant progress, the road to sustainable peace is extended. The National Accord laid a solid foundation, but many of its recommendations remain unimplemented.
As we mark this year's International Day of Peace on September 21, it is essential to reflect on Kenya's Generation Z's recent protests.
These young people, born and raised after the 2008 National Accord, are coming of age politically and socially. In many ways, they represent the unfinished business of the 2008 National Accord, which aimed to build sustainable peace through comprehensive reforms.
The 2008 National Accord, part of the Kenya National Dialogue and Reconciliation framework, acknowledged that sustainable peace would only be achieved by addressing deep-rooted socio-economic inequalities. Long-term reforms were needed to tackle issues like land distribution, corruption, youth unemployment, and the lack of national cohesion.
Notably, the Accord recognized the role of the youth, particularly the unemployed, in the 2007-2008 post-election violence.
To gauge the progress made since the National Accord, it's helpful to analyze its principles through the lens of the Institute for Economics and Peace's "Pillars of Peace." These eight pillars—good governance, equitable distribution of resources, free flow of information, high levels of human capital, low levels of corruption, acceptance of the rights of others, sound business environment, and good relations with neighbors—outline the ingredients for building a peaceful, resilient society.
Kenya's National Accord aligns well with some of these pillars. The first agenda item, focused on good governance, proposed much-needed reforms in the police, judiciary, and civil service. Such reforms are fundamental in addressing corruption and ensuring justice is accessible to all, especially marginalized communities. The second and third agenda items addressed land reform and equitable resource distribution—crucial to reducing the economic and social inequalities that fuel discontent.
The National Accord identified youth unemployment as a significant driver of the 2007-2008 violence, emphasizing how a lack of economic opportunities leaves young people vulnerable to exploitation and extremism.
Despite numerous initiatives, many young Kenyans remain jobless or underemployed, making them susceptible to political manipulation. This persistent issue, evident in the rise of extremism in areas like Eastleigh and the coast, reflects the frustrations of Gen Z today, who are increasingly vocal in demanding meaningful solutions to their daily challenges.
Initiatives such as Amani (Peace) Clubs in schools bring a glimmer of hope. These clubs promote peace, unity, and tolerance among students, offering a blueprint for long-term peacebuilding efforts. By instilling a culture of peace early on, Kenya is gradually breaking down the ethnic and social divisions that have fueled past conflicts. This aligns closely with this year's International Day of Peace theme, "Cultivating a Culture of Peace."
Rotary International is a global network of more than 1.2 million people promoting peace through sustainable, measurable actions in communities worldwide. With a long history of addressing the root causes of conflict, Rotary empowers peace and development leaders to make a positive impact locally and globally. The Peace Activator program, part of the Rotary-Institute of Economics and Peace Partnership, fosters collaboration among Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Peace Fellows.
In addition, Rotary plays a vital role in developing positive peace by empowering youth with leadership skills and opportunities for community service. Through Interact and Rotaract clubs, young leaders receive training in financial management, business development, and social engagement. These programs foster personal growth and create pathways for thriving communities.
Under the leadership of Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick, Rotary will convene peace leaders from around the world at its 2025 Presidential Peace Conference in February in Istanbul, Türkiye, to address pressing issues such as reducing polarization, the role of technology in peace and the intersection of environmental challenges and peace. Themed "Healing in a Divided World," the event will bring together peace ambassadors, Rotary members, partner organizations, and Rotary Peace Center alumni to explore ways to build more peaceful, inclusive, and resilient communities.
On the other hand, Kenya has made impressive gains in internet access, becoming one of the most connected countries in sub-Saharan Africa. This connectivity has allowed for a more vibrant exchange of ideas and the rise of online activism, particularly among Gen Z. While this is a positive development, it also presents challenges, as social media has been used to spread misinformation and hate speech, sometimes contributing to violence.
Reflecting on the International Day of Peace, it's clear that while Kenya has made significant progress, the road to sustainable peace is extended. The National Accord laid a solid foundation, but many of its recommendations remain unimplemented.
To achieve true peace, Kenya must address the root causes of conflict—inequality, unemployment, and corruption. Only by doing so can the country harness the potential of its youth to build a more just, equitable, and peaceful society.
Maximilla Wandera is a Rotary Peace Fellow.