Rev Canon Karanja’s Welcoming Remarks-Pamoja Conference

A.  PRELIMINARIES

Hon Joseph ole Lenku, Cabinet Secretary for Interior,

Members of the Diplomatic Corps,

All protocols observed,

Ladies and Gentlemen.

 B. INTRODUCTION:

We praise God for this milestone in the cohesion initiatives that have been made by many actors and institutions in our beloved country. I am greatly therefore honoured to welcome you to this momentous and memorable occasion. I recognize that it is by the grace of God that we are able to convene here for the next 2 days as we reflect, discuss and cast our eyes into the future and envision a more cohesive and integrated nation. It is gratifying to see all of you in high spirits and energy, ready to participate in this noble conference, dubbed The Pamoja National Conference.  Indeed it is my conviction that your presence here today is a sign of your total personal commitment to the ideals and objectives of the discussions that we shall have here. For that, allow me to commend each and everyone of you in person for having honoured our invitation to participate. Thank you very much.

C. THE PAMOJA INITIATIVE

Hon Lenku, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Distinguished delegates, All Protocols Observed

As we begin this conference, allow me to bring you upto speed with the events that informed this discussion. The Pamoja Conference is the culmination of the journey our stakeholders and us, have walked over the last six years under the Pamoja Peace Initiative. The word ‘Pamoja’ is a Swahili word that means ‘together’.  Born out of the events that characterized the disputed outcome of presidential polls in 2007 and the Post-election violence, the objective of the Pamoja Initiative has been to provide safe spaces for ethnic communities in the country to openly dialogue and build consensus.

This initiative was envisioned to help strengthen our fragile peace and reconciliation framework among key ethnic communities in the country. Since then, these delegates gathered here today have driven the agenda on how to build a more cohesive nation through intra and inter ethnic dialogue forums. I am glad to note that through this framework, the communities and their leaders are beginning to appreciate the need for open dialogue and collaboration irrespective of their political persuasion, religion or tribe. May I commend all of you for remaining true to this discussion, being forthright in your approach to resolve the issues of division and remaining focused on the goals.

 D. THE PAMOJA CONFERENCE

As mentioned earlier, the Pamoja Conference marks the beginning of another phase in our engagement to address the issues that threaten our national fabric. These issues are quite diverse and range from political to socio-economic and cultural issues. I must admit that we cannot wish away these challenges.  However, I am convinced that we hold the key to providing solutions and steering this country towards prosperity free of ethnic fragmentation and political divisions. This conference therefore is a platform for all of us to take the discussion on national cohesion and integration to another level. It marks the beginning of our county based grassroots forums as we explore best practices on how to overcome challenges that might hamper the attainment of our nationhood. I know that true to the spirit and commitment you have demonstrated, we are all ready and willing to make that happen.

E. CONCLUSION

As I conclude, allow me to pose a few questions.

·       What lessons have we learnt from our history as a nation on cohesion and integration?

·       Is a win-win scenario possible as the panacea against the risk of political instability?

·       How can the nation free itself from political grandstanding that often pushes us to the brink of the precipice?

 Hon Lenku, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

This being a gathering of great minds, experts from different fields and a good blend of experienced community leadership, I am looking forward to a very rigorous and candid engagement. May I also take this opportunity to sincerely thank the partners in this conference notably:

 The Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK), The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) and the Embassy of Denmark Kenya.

Your investment in cohesion and integration efforts maybe the gift to this country that development and other sectoral initiatives will build on as a foundation.

 I once again sincerely thank you and wish you a fruitful discussion.

 It is now my pleasure to Welcome my brother Sheikh Adan Wachu; SUPKEM Secretary General and also IRCK Chair, to address us.

 Thank You!

Pamoja Conference marks the beginning of another phase in our engagement to address the issues that threaten our national fabric