Kaimosi Friends University today hosted Jukwaa La Wasomi, a high-level security forum at that brought together government administrators, security leaders, academics, and students for a candid dialogue on peace, safety, and national cohesion.
Vice Chancellor, Prof. Peter Mwita, receives members of the Vihiga County Security Team at the Kaimosi Friends University Boardroom ahead of the Jukwaa La Wasomi forum
In his welcoming remarks, Prof. Mwita expressed deep gratitude to Vihiga County Commissioner for entrusting Kaimosi Friends University with hosting the initiative, describing it as a bold step in the university’s mission to nurture leaders of peace and responsibility.
Prof. Mwita highlighted KAFU’s commitment in sustaining peace through dialogue, responsibility and action. He added that students have consistently demonstrated that youth-led initiatives are central to preventing conflict and securing communities in different ways including students’ consultative forums, National peace engagements (Run for Peace Kenya) and conflict resolution training.
“This gathering provides a timely platform where students, academics, security agencies, and communities come together to discuss peace and unity, let this forum be the beginning of bold, actionable solutions. Our students must remain resilient, speak out against injustice, and be champions of peace,” he said.
Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Thomas Kipkurgat, welcomes Vice Chancellor, Prof. Peter Mwita, to deliver his remarks during the Jukwaa La Wasomi forum at Kaimosi Friends University.
The Vice Chancellor highlighted ongoing university initiatives such as student consultative forums, the soon-to-be-launched Peace Ambassadors Programme, conflict resolution training, and participation in national campaigns like Run for Peace Kenya.
Looking ahead, he pledged to institutionalize the spirit of Jukwaa La Wasomi through structured dialogue, formal partnerships with security agencies, and integrating peace-building into sports, arts, and debates.
Delivering the keynote address, acting County Commissioner of Vihiga, Mrs. Florence Sitawa underscored the importance of youth inclusion in peacebuilding, noting that the dialogue was anchored on United Nations Security Council resolutions promoting youth participation in peace processes.
Acting County Commissioner, Mrs. Florence Sitawa, with Cheptulu OCS Chrispine Boit as they responds to questions during the Jukwaa La Wasomi forum at Kaimosi Friends University.
“Young people are often vulnerable to criminal mobilization. This forum provides an opportunity to involve them meaningfully in shaping inclusive and proactive approaches to security,” she said.
She elaborated that the dialogue rests on four pillars—active participation, protection, prevention, and inclusivity—and called for genuine collaboration to move from discussions to practical, sustainable outcomes.
“The dialogue must rest on participation, protection, prevention, and inclusivity, with all stakeholders working together to deliver results,” she added.
Her final call was on the need to work collaboratively in enhancing security measures. Mrs. Sitawa underscored that teamwork and co-operation are key components of security action. Encouraging on the need to move from dialogue to actionable cause.
The day’s deliberations focused on establishing sustainable dialogue channels between students and security agencies, strengthening conflict management skills, and amplifying the voices of youth in shaping peaceful communities. By the close of the forum, participants reaffirmed the central role of young people in preventing conflict and celebrated the unique place of universities in nurturing cultures of peace, unity, and resilience.
The forum was also attended by senior security officers including County Police Commander Mr. Zachariah Bitok, County Criminal Investigations Officer Mr. Gilbert Gitalia, and OCS Chrispine Boit. Also in attendance were Kaimosi Friends University’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Finance & Planning, Prof. Thomas Kipkurgat, sub-county commanders, faculty, and student leaders from within and beyond the institution.
Group photo of Acting County Commissioner Mrs. Florence Sitawa, Vice Chancellor Prof. Peter Mwita, security leaders, faculty, and student representatives after the Jukwaa La Wasomi forum at Kaimosi Friends University.