Uasin Gishu Woman Leads Transformation Through Peacebuilding Efforts

UASIN GISHU — Mary Njoki, a dedicated peacebuilder from Uasin Gishu County, has become a significant figure in the transformation of societal roles through her commitment to peace and community change, challenging traditional gender norms that confined women to domestic roles.

According to Kenya News Agency, her peacebuilding journey began in 2009, motivated by personal tragedy during the 2008 post-election violence in Kenya, which resulted in the loss of her family members. This profound loss spurred her to vow to prevent others from experiencing similar grief due to tribal conflicts. “I saw the need to ensure no one else suffers such tragedy just because they speak a different language,” Njoki said, reflecting on her early experiences where she faced skepticism about a woman’s capacity to lead such initiatives.

Over time, Njoki’s consistent efforts have galvanized more women to engage in peacebuilding within their communities, gradually altering perceptions about women’s roles in leadership and conflict resolution. She formed a group of one hundred women dedicated to advocating for peace and addressing societal issues affecting women.

Njoki emphasized the importance of continuous peace advocacy, not just during electoral periods but as a regular practice. “It’s easier to instill the value of peace when the community is calm, rather than during conflict when tensions are high,” she explained. Her approach proved effective in the 2022 general elections, where candidates who promoted peace saw greater success.

Her advocacy extends beyond local community efforts. Njoki’s initiatives have been recognized nationally and internationally, including receiving an honorary award during the 2022 Mashujaa Day celebrations by President Dr. William Ruto and acknowledgment from United Nations Women at the Security Council.

Despite these accolades, Njoki highlighted challenges such as limited resources that impact the effectiveness of peacebuilding efforts. “The role of a peacebuilder is largely voluntary, often requiring personal resources to address conflicts in distant areas,” she stated, calling for greater support from government and non-governmental organizations to ensure peacebuilders can respond promptly to conflicts.

Njoki also urged media practitioners to spotlight the successes and contributions of peacebuilders to educate and inspire broader public involvement in peace initiatives. Her story reflects a broader shift toward recognizing and empowering women in leadership and peacebuilding roles across Kenya and beyond.