Nakuru-based MIDRIFT HURINET on Saturday April 6, 2024 held peaceful walk that culminated into panel discussion and brief sporting activities to commemorate International day of Sports for Development and Peace 2024 in Nakuru county.
Armed with placards with several writings on them communicating various messages on importance of sports in matters peace, hundreds of youth converged at Railways Grounds before holding procession through Nakuru City centre to MIDRIFT HURINET’s offices at Christ the King Hall grounds.
According to MIDRIFT HURINET’s Executive Director Joseph Omondi, the organization is already running a program that aims at advocating for Sports as a tool for promotion of peace and social inclusion.
The program that involves engaging youth in schools and in various wards takes into consideration that Sports transcend all divides, uniting people in shared activities to foster understanding and empathy.
“Sports as a reconciliation tool also offers opportunities for dialogue, cooperation among communities affected by conflict and violence, making it an integral platform for bringing people together and influencing change,” he states.
Messages that were also echoed during panelists discussions with sports being dubbed as a crucial tool in uniting and fostering respect and tolerance, empowering women, youth and communities as well as advancing social inclusion.
It is during the discussion, that Calvin Muga- a governance champion at MIDRIFT HURINET tasked the county government of Nakuru to expedite the completion of Afraha stadium.
“What is stalling the completion of Afraha Stadium? As Kenya prepares to host 2027 Africa Cup of Nations(AFCON), Nakuru may miss out due to lack of sporting facilities! We need these facilities constructed on time to help our youth prepare adequately for the opportunities present in the venture,” he stated.
Maimuna Mwinyi from Youth Bila Noma called for the need to ensure sports is valued.
She pointed out that this will be achieved by ensuring proper sporting facilities are in place
“To enhance the potential of sports, we need to VALUE it. This will be achieved by getting proper sporting facilities and gears, supporting those gifted to excel and linking sports & development through projects & partners working on the agenda,” she said.
Sentiments echoed by Vincent Tanui- a Human Rights Defender at Centre for Enhancing Democracy and Good Governance(CEDGG).
He noted that sports serves as a platform that helps bring people together to participate in conversations that shape the society.
“Sports has profound significance in that it is used as a platform bringing people together to participate in conversations on issues affecting them as a community,” he said.
On her part Shiko Kihika who is the Director Tribeless Youth, noted that sports speaks to the heart.
She challenged youth to ensure they tap into the numerous opportunities available.
“Sports is essential because it speaks to the heart. If we curve our conversations in a way that touches the hearts youth in these platforms, we will see the change and development we are all working towards,” she stated.
With sports being a catalyst for peaceful elections, social cohesion, and inclusive societies in Kenya, MIDRIFT HURINET’S sports for development and peace program initiatives continues creating societal change in Nakuru.
Author: Pristone Mambili
A trained Journalist with passion for Radio and online Writing.