From a region once scarred by conflict to one steadily embracing hope, youth in Mt. Elgon are benefiting from a mentorship programme aimed at improving their social well-being and personal development.
The initiative, organised by the local non-governmental organisation Transforming Societies for Social Change, seeks to empower young people by promoting values of peace, education, and responsible citizenship.
The mentorship forum, held at Chepyuk Peace Centre in Mt. Elgon, attracted a large number of young people and provided an engaging platform for learning, reflection, and interaction. The event was presided over by Shujaa Kennedy Kunani, a renowned peace ambassador and a leading force behind the Amani Clubs movement in Kenya.
Mt. Elgon was previously a stronghold of the Sabaot Land Defence Force (SLDF) militia, a group linked to the late Matakwei. During its existence, the militia radicalised local youth, plunging the region into prolonged violence that claimed many lives and severely disrupted education, livelihoods, and social cohesion.
Speaking during the forum, Kunani emphasised the central role of young people in nation-building and warned against neglecting their mentorship and empowerment.
“Youth are the backbone of the nation. If we allow them to lose direction, we risk losing the future of our country. That is why I am encouraged to see young people being mentored and empowered, especially,” he said.
He urged the youth to embrace education, uphold peace, and reject violence, noting that war offers no solutions. Kunani explained that the programme was deliberately scheduled during the long school holiday to maximise participation while students were away from school.
As a peace ambassador working closely with schools, Kunani said he was encouraged by the transformation taking place in Mt. Elgon after years of insecurity. He recalled that the violent conflict led by the SLDF claimed hundreds of lives before the militia was dismantled by the Kenya Defence Forces in 2008.
“We must breathe and speak peace at all times in our schools, in our homes, and in our communities. Peace must be our defining value,” he said, adding that he remains committed to engaging communities and sharing knowledge that improves lives.
Kunani was recently awarded the Head of State Commendation (HSC) in recognition of his contribution to peace-building and is credited with establishing Amani Clubs in several schools across the country.
The event was attended by Chepyuk Assistant Chief Rodgers Sangulo, alongside officials from Transforming Societies for Social Change. Also present was Kibuk Girls Secondary School principal Mrs Josephine Chebonya, who applauded organisations working to empower communities and promote peace in Mt. Elgon.
She noted that the region has experienced remarkable recovery since the end of the SLDF insurgency.
“The violence disrupted education and livelihoods, but today we are grateful that children can attend school safely and residents can engage in activities that add value to their lives,” she said.
