The partnership between MIDRIFT HURINET and the County Government of Baringo has seen improved peace and stability in the region.
This was revealed even as a team from MIDRIFT HURINET on their second day in Kerio Valley on Wednesday paid a courtesy call to Baringo County Commissioner Mr. Stephen Kutwa in Kabarnet Town.
Led by MIDRIFT HURINET Executive Director Joseph Omondi, together with Finn Kjaerulf, Senior Programme Advisor at DIGNITY – Danish Institute Against Torture,the team discussed the success of the soft approach to safety and security in pursuit for peace.
According to MIDRIFT HURINET, this strategy has significantly contributed to the reduction of violence and conflicts in the region.
This was confirmed by the County Commissioner.
“The results we are seeing in this region reflect our strong partnership with MIDRIFT. The Arabal and Mukutani corridor has been peaceful. Pokots and Tugens are now living comfortably together, where over 600 families displaced by intercommunal conflicts have gone back to Mukutani. 40 of them have been successfully resettled. From where we stand, with government projects like electrification underway, the future looks promising,” stated the administrator who is also the chair County Security Committee.
It should be noted that MIDRIFT has strengthened community resilience through livelihood support by providing agricultural inputs and connecting communities with government affirmative action funds.
The Organization is also working on changing communities’ mindsets by developing local leaders who promote collaborative action to address community issues.
“We remain committed to strengthening a multi-sectoral approach to ensure stability, tranquility and peacefulness, before, during and after the 2027 elections, with inter-county forums strengthening early warning and conflict response in Kerio Valley,” the Organization affirmed.
Later, the team from MIDRIFT HURINET held a one-on-one discussions with leaders developed through Place-Based Leadership Development (PBLD) where they shared how they’re building collaboratives to promote access to justice for survivors of violence and conflicts and dissuade youth from criminality.
Notable efforts by PBLD leaders include engaging girls in sports to prevent exploitation.
It was reported that two of their teams have now been officially registered with the Football Kenya Federation which is a major milestone.