The Free Pentecostal Fellowship in Kenya (FPFK) Resilience Program has launched the second phase of its inter-community peace, gender and environmental conservation campaign targeting border communities in Kericho and Kisumu counties.
The initiative, which officially kicked off on Thursday at Sondu Primary School grounds in Soin-Sigowet Sub-county, seeks to strengthen peaceful coexistence between the Luo and Kalenjin communities while promoting sustainable farming, environmental conservation and gender inclusion.
Speaking during the awareness forum, FPFK Resilience Program Officer Viola Chepkemoi said the organisation had integrated peace-building with environmental conservation after realising that conflict among communities undermines sustainable development and farming activities.
“We are focusing on peaceful coexistence as we implement environmental conservation practices because environmental conservation cannot take place when communities are in conflict,” said Chepkemoi.
She noted that recurrent border disputes between communities living along the Kisumu-Kericho border had negatively affected farming and livelihoods, leaving many families unable to fully utilise their land.
Chepkemoi said the programme aims to eradicate poverty by empowering communities to coexist peacefully, embrace modern farming methods and respect gender equality, particularly by giving women a stronger voice in farm management and decision-making.
“We are here today with communities from Nyakach in Kisumu County and Soin-Sigowet in Kericho County. Sondu has experienced conflict for years and people have not been able to work freely on their farms. We want to sensitise the two communities to coexist peacefully as they improve their livelihoods so that poverty is no longer a problem,” she said.
The programme’s second phase began in October 2025 and is expected to run until December 2028.
According to Chepkemoi, the first phase of the resilience programme recorded significant success, including the establishment of farmer field schools where lead farmers train fellow community members on sustainable farming and environmental conservation practices.
She added that the programme also strengthened 4K Clubs in schools, which are now actively championing environmental conservation initiatives within the community.
“Our goal is to build communities that coexist peacefully in a sustainable environment while addressing food security, nutrition and gender issues,” she added.
Nyakach Deputy County Commissioner Job Anunda lauded the FPFK Resilience Program for spearheading peace and environmental conservation initiatives in the border region.
Anunda said the government would continue partnering with the organisation to strengthen cross-border peace efforts ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“We have partnered with this organisation on matters of peace and cross-border initiatives, and we are beginning to witness positive results. We urge residents from both sides of the border to coexist peacefully and protect the environment to reduce inter-community conflicts,” said Anunda.
The awareness forum attracted residents from Nyakach and Soin-Sigowet sub-counties, with organisers using the platform to sensitise communities on environmental conservation, peaceful coexistence and gender equality.
