By Ann Kabale – Samburu
In the rugged landscapes of Samburu County, where resource-based conflicts and inter-ethnic violence have historically divided communities, a new era of peace and inclusivity is taking shape. At the heart of this transformation are women—once marginalized in the peace process, they are now stepping up as key players in conflict resolution and community cohesion efforts. The localization of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 and Kenya’s National Action Plan (KNAP) 2 has not only empowered women but is also reshaping how communities in Samburu manage conflict, work toward peace, and foster unity.
UNSCR 1325, adopted in 2000, calls for women’s participation in peacebuilding and conflict prevention, recognizing that peace is more sustainable when women are involved. Kenya’s National Action Plan (KNAP 2), aligned with this resolution, is designed to bring these global commitments to the local level. Samburu County, long affected by cattle rustling, land disputes, and gender inequality, has seen firsthand why these frameworks are essential.
The localization of KNAP 2 in Samburu acknowledges that peace and security are not just national concerns but must be addressed from the grassroots. In Samburu, this means creating policies that reflect the lived realities of pastoralist communities, where women often bear the brunt of conflict but are now being recognized as vital agents of change.
Samburu County has taken strategic steps to implement UNSCR 1325 and KNAP 2 by focusing on empowering women, reducing gender-based violence (GBV), and promoting cohesion among different ethnic groups. One significant achievement has been the formation of **peace committees**, where women hold leadership positions for the first time. These women are now at the forefront of mediating conflicts between rival communities, particularly those involving competition over grazing land and water.
Through training programs funded by the county government and supported by local and international NGOs, women are being equipped with the skills necessary to participate in peace processes. Workshops on conflict resolution, negotiation, and leadership are creating a new generation of women peacebuilders in Samburu, who are not just advocating for peace but actively making it happen.
Additionally, gender desks at local police stations have been established to address cases of gender-based violence, which often increase during conflict. These desks, run by trained officers, provide women with a safe space to report violence and seek justice, demonstrating how UNSCR 1325’s focus on protection is being implemented at the community level.
Perhaps the most visible change in Samburu is the increased participation of women in peacebuilding and conflict resolution. Women like Milkah Lolkurum, who previously had no voice in peace negotiations, are now key negotiators and mediators in inter-communal conflicts. Their presence has brought new perspectives to peace talks, emphasizing dialogue, reconciliation, and the protection of vulnerable groups.
In one notable case, women from different ethnic groups came together to mediate a dispute between rival pastoralist communities over grazing land. Their intervention, supported by KNAP 2 initiatives, helped prevent further violence and resulted in a peaceful agreement that benefited both sides. “Women bring a different kind of strength to peacebuilding,” says one participant. “We focus on the future of our children, and that makes us fight for peace in a different way.”
The localization of UNSCR 1325 and KNAP 2 has not only empowered women but has also contributed to broader social cohesion in Samburu. Through peace committees and dialogue forums, communities that were once deeply divided are beginning to work together toward common goals. Efforts to promote intra- and inter-community dialogue have been instrumental in breaking down barriers of mistrust, with women often leading the way in facilitating these discussions.
Youth engagement has also been a key component of Samburu’s cohesion efforts. Programs targeting young men, who are often involved in cattle rustling, have helped redirect their energy into productive activities like peace advocacy, education, and economic empowerment. This holistic approach, which includes women, youth, and traditional leaders, is helping to foster a culture of peace and unity in Samburu.
As Samburu County continues to localize UNSCR 1325 and KNAP 2, it is clear that these efforts are bringing about tangible changes in the way communities address conflict and work toward peace. Women are no longer on the periphery of peacebuilding but are central to it. While challenges remain, the progress seen in Samburu provides a blueprint for other counties in Kenya to follow.
Looking ahead, the success of these initiatives will depend on continued support from both the government and the international community. More resources, education, and policy support will be essential to ensure that the gains made so far are not lost. For Samburu, localizing UNSCR 1325 and KNAP 2 is not just about meeting international standards—it is about securing a future of peace, security, and equality for all its people.
The peacebuilding journey in Samburu is far from over, but with women leading the way, the future looks promising. “Peace starts with us,” says Lolkurum. “And we will keep pushing until peace is the way of life for everyone in Samburu.”
