Nairobi, June 18th, 2022 -To foster greater commitment to peaceful elections, and increase youth participation in the 2022 General Elections and beyond, the UWIANO Platform for Peace members have today, on the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, launched the Let Peace Win campaign.
Recognizing the need for smart interventions to counter the evolving trends of online hate speech, UWIANO has established a Peace Messaging Hub which expanded membership to leading peacebuilding stakeholders as well as a cutting-edge technological consortium to connect UWIANO's online and offline analysis with appropriate responses. With support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), has access to cutting-edge technological tools and expertise to monitor and analyze social media platforms for mis/disinformation, hate speech and incitement. This analysis is accompanied by a complementary artificial intelligence intervention to identify and recruit micro and nano influencers to counter hate speech and spread impactful narratives of peace.
Speaking ahead of the launch, the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government Dr. Fred Matiang'i, EGH commended efforts by various institutions in ensuring Kenya remains a united nation. He said, "Kenya has finally come of age in matters of democracy, and we are confident of the measures we have put in place to ensure that peace reigns during the coming August polls."
Youth account for 75% of the country's total population. Hence their participation in the election and election process determines how Kenya meets its immediate, medium, and long-term development aspirations as envisaged in Vision 2030. During the launch, the UWIANO Platform for Peace members called on the youth to construct steady and peaceful societies and develop policies that respond to the specific needs of the younger generation to achieve SDG 16 of the 2030 agenda, 'Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.'
"To turn around Kenya towards becoming a peaceful country we require efforts that not only target the young people, but also those initiated by the youth for the young people. Effective participation of youth in politics is fundamental to democratic development both in Kenya and generally around the globe. Therefore, initiatives targeting the youth such as the Let Peace Win and Elections Bila Noma campaigns are critical to promoting peace, and safeguarding development gains and stability," said Dr. Rev Samuel Kobia, the NCIC Chairman.
Through the Let Peace Win Campaign, youth-led initiatives promoting peace will be recognised. A song for peace contest has also been kicked off on Radio Citizen and Citizen TV, where youth are invited to submit their peace songs. The best voted songs will be used before, during and after the elections to promote peace.
During the launch, UNDP Kenya's Resident Representative ad interim Mandisa Mashologu said: "Our support to this campaign through our Transcending Foundations of Peace and Security for Inclusive and Sustainable Development Programme andConsolidating Democratic Dividends for Sustainable Transformation Programme is meant to ensure that no one is left behind, particularly the youth. We as UNDP in collaboration with our sister agencies -- UN Women and OHCHR will continue working closely with all our partners to support the consolidation of the democratic gains to ensure that the country's youth **- **and all citizens at large are the transformative force and beacon of peace in this journey towards Kenya's Vision2030, the Sustainable Development Goal's and Africa's Agenda 2063. We thank our respective development partners - the Government of Sweden through the Embassy of Sweden in Kenya, the European Union, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, Irish Aid, and the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office of the United Kingdom for this collaboration to more effectively engage with civil society organisations, faith-based organizations, community groups and associations, and the national and county level peace architecture through the UWIANO platform.''
Marking this historical milestone of the International Day for Countering Hate speech and the launch of the "Let Peace Win" campaign, the UN Resident Coordinator, Dr. Stephen Jackson said: "Elections are all about expressing your preferences. The UN has only ONE preference, one favourite: We want Kenya to win! We know Kenya will win by sustaining its remarkable & peaceful democratic leadership in the region. We want the Kenyan youth to lead Kenya's peaceful journey before, during and beyond the elections." He made a special appeal to the youth, "You have skin in this game - even if you do not feel it! Kenya is your house, so keep your house safe and take control of your future by preventing hate and harm from coming indoors."
Source: UN Development Programme