CONCERNED CITIZENS FOR PEACE – CCP Report March 08

CONCERNED CITIZENS FOR PEACE

http://forums.rescuekenya.org/ccp/

Giving a voice to Kenyan citizens to engage and contribute in the creation of peace and hope

CCP REPORT

INTRODUCTION

Following the announcement of the disputed presidential elections and the subsequent violence, there emerged an urgent need to initiate a process that would have national appeal for calm as solutions were being sought. The Concerned Citizens for Peace (CCP) led by renowned mediators, peace builders and diplomats, was formally launched on 1^st January 2008. It immediately emerged as a crucial vehicle for rallying Kenyans around the call for peace and dialogue. The initial step was to call upon Kenyans through the media to shun violence, and stop the killings and wanton destruction of property. CCP at the same time began making contacts with the leadership of the leading political parties, as well as encouraging international solidarity and support. As other initiatives emerged (the humanitarian response, religious leaders, civil society-led efforts and the national dialogue process, etc), the role of CCP in bridging the gap between these initiatives became important. CCP’s key initiatives can be grouped as follows:

1. Supporting high-level political dialogue
2. Creating public awareness by spreading positive messages to dissuade people from engaging in violence and retaliation
3. Advocating peace through the mass media
4. Encouraging dialogue at the grassroots level
5. Linking civil society initiatives with the national dialogue and reconciliation process

These initiatives can further be categorized as Upstream, Middle level and Downstream activities.

UP STREAM – supporting the top level mediation and dialogue process.

OCHA Kenya Humanitarian Update vol. 14, 03 – 09 Apr 2008

Source: United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Date: 09 Apr 2008

HIGHLIGHTS – Civil unrest as power-sharing talks break down – Diplomats and donors warn of aid cuts if peace deal is not implemented – Growing concern over rising food prices and inflation – $189 million Emergency Humanitarian Response Plan launch on 14 April – Deal agreed to ensure IDP children can sit national exams The information contained in this report has been compiled by OCHA from information received from the field, from national and international humanitarian partners and from other official sources. It does not represent a position from the United Nations.

I General Overview Protests and violence erupted in Nairobi’s Kibera slum and Kisumu on 8 April following the Orange Democratic Movement’s suspension of power-sharing talks. A 40-member Cabinet was due to be announced on 6 April but disagreements resurfaced over the sharing out of ministries. European Union diplomats said aid will be cut until the peace deal is fully implemented. Inflation rose to 21% in March. The impact is greatest on the poor. WFP Executive Director Josette Sheeran expressed concern over rising farm input and food prices as she toured IDP camps on 3 April. Some have called for subsidies to avert riots over food prices as witnessed elsewhere in the world. Human Rights Watch accused the army and rebels of torture and extra judicial killings. The alleged spiritual leader of Sabaot Land Defence Forces Jason Psongoywo was charged with promoting war like activities. Planned evictions from the Mau Forest caused hundreds to flee to Narok trading centre.

II. Humanitarian Situation

Turmoil throws higher education into disarray – 7 Feb 08

Turmoil throws higher education into disarray

Higher education is facing one of its worst crisis ever following a delay in re-opening public universities and tertiary colleges in the wake of post-election violence. The delay is expected to put the institutions on condensed programme modules similar to those of the late 1980s, which could compromise the quality of education. In the wake of the prolonged post-election mayhem, a month of the semester has been lost, bringing closer the reality of a syllabus crisis.

Education – 60,000 miss class due to chaos – 23 Jan 08

60,000 miss class due to chaos

More than 60,000 students from primary and secondary schools in Rift Valley Province have been displaced following the post-elections violence. Already 6,665 secondary school students have transferred to schools in Nakuru. About 660 primary and secondary school teachers have also been temporarily transferred to safer areas. However, Rift Valley Provincial Director of Education Peter Macharia said they would return to their former stations once calm is restored. Mr Macharia told a provincial heads meeting in Nakuru yesterday that the victims had been absorbed by 21 municipal schools. He said the ministry of Education was looking for funds to buy furniture and stationery for victims who are learning under tents.