STAKEHOLDERS RENEW COMMITMENT TO PROTECT RELIGIOUS FREEDOM AND STRENGTHEN PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE

KECOSCE Executive Director Phyllis Muema speaks during a media briefing at the TOFORB Project close-out event in Nairobi, highlighting the importance of protecting freedom of religion and strengthening partnerships to counter violent extremism and build lasting peace.

By: Gladys Karuga

Government institutions, faith leaders, civil society organisations and development partners have renewed their commitment to safeguarding freedom of religion and belief, describing it as a cornerstone of Kenya's constitutional order and a critical tool in promoting peace, social cohesion and resilience against violent extremism.

The commitment was made during the official close-out event of the Together for Freedom of Religion and Belief (TOFORB) Project held at the Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi Airport. The national dialogue brought together representatives from government agencies, Parliament, religious organisations, civil society groups and development partners to review the project's achievements, reflect on lessons learned and chart a sustainable path for promoting religious freedom beyond the project's conclusion.

The forum took place against growing concerns over religious intolerance, hate speech, violent extremism and discrimination, which stakeholders said continue to threaten peaceful coexistence in parts of Kenya. Participants agreed that protecting the constitutional right to freedom of religion and belief requires stronger collaboration between government institutions, faith communities and civil society.

Speaking during the dialogue, Kenya Community Support Centre (KECOSCE) Executive Director Phyllis Muema said the initiative had strengthened cooperation between communities, security agencies and government institutions in Garissa, Lamu and Tana River counties, areas that have faced complex security and social challenges.

"Freedom of religion is a fundamental constitutional right, yet in some instances it has been overlooked during security operations. Through this programme, we have worked with communities and security agencies to ensure counter-terrorism efforts respect human dignity, religious practices and cultural diversity," said Muema.

She noted that the project, implemented through a consortium comprising Search for Common Ground, KECOSCE, MUHURI and Kesho Alliance, empowered communities to engage constructively with security actors while promoting freedom of religion and belief.

According to Muema, the three counties targeted by the programme experience unique challenges, including violent extremism, marginalisation, interfaith tensions and strained relations between citizens and state institutions. She said religion remains an integral part of community life and should be considered when public institutions design and deliver services.

The project, she explained, created platforms that brought together religious leaders, local communities, security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure security interventions did not undermine constitutional rights.

Muema highlighted one of the programme's notable achievements in Tana River County, where sustained engagement with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) helped address long-standing concerns over human-wildlife conflict.

"For nearly eight years, affected families received no response over losses caused by wildlife attacks. Today, Sh179 million has been set aside to compensate about 180 affected families, demonstrating that dialogue and accountability can deliver justice for communities," she said.

She added that the programme also worked closely with the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) to promote a better understanding of violent extremism while ensuring counter-terrorism interventions respect human rights, cultural diversity and religious freedom.

Muema observed that extremist groups often exploit community grievances, misinformation and feelings of exclusion to recruit young people, stressing that stronger partnerships between communities and security agencies remain key to preventing radicalisation.

"Communities have now started cooperating with the National Counter Terrorism Centre because they understand terrorism has no religion. Addressing community grievances while respecting human rights and religious freedom strengthens resilience against violent extremism," she said.

She further said the programme collaborated with institutions including the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) and the National Steering Committee on Peace Building to improve accountability and rebuild trust between citizens and security providers.

While acknowledging improved relations between communities and local security officers, Muema emphasised the need to sustain accountability across all levels of policing to maintain public confidence.

Search for Common Ground Country Director for Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia Judy Kimamo said the 22-month project had significantly advanced religious freedom, peacebuilding and cooperation among communities and security actors across the Boni region covering Garissa, Lamu and Tana River counties.

"We have seen communities working closely with security actors, improved cooperation among religious leaders, women and young people, and policy shifts that expand the protection of freedom of religion and belief. These achievements demonstrate that collaboration is the foundation of sustainable peace," said Kimamo.

She said the initiative strengthened early warning mechanisms, encouraged meaningful community participation in policy discussions and enhanced collaboration among religious leaders, women and youth groups.

Kimamo added that the programme also supported discussions around proposed legislation on religious freedom, enabling communities to share their views and submit recommendations to government.

According to her, more than 200,000 people were reached through media platforms and community engagements, with lessons from the project providing a strong foundation for scaling up peacebuilding efforts across the country.

"Peace is built by bringing people together around their shared challenges rather than their differences. Whether it is insecurity, wildlife conflict or development, these issues affect everyone regardless of religion, ethnicity or age, and working together is the surest path to lasting peace," she said.

Throughout the forum, stakeholders reviewed the impact of the TOFORB Project through presentations, panel discussions and policy recommendations focused on strengthening institutional cooperation in addressing religious intolerance and promoting fundamental rights.

Representatives from the National Steering Committee (NSC), Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), the National Assembly and other partner organisations reaffirmed the importance of protecting freedom of religion and belief as guaranteed under the Constitution.

Participants emphasised that interfaith dialogue remains one of the most effective tools for preventing conflict, promoting understanding and strengthening trust among Kenya's diverse religious communities. They noted that closer engagement between faith leaders, government institutions and local communities has contributed to reducing tensions, addressing hate speech and countering violent extremism.

The participating institutions pledged to continue working together beyond the lifespan of the TOFORB Project to advance freedom of religion and belief, protect human rights and strengthen peaceful coexistence across the country.

Organisers described the close-out event not as the end of the initiative, but as the beginning of a new phase of collaboration aimed at ensuring every Kenyan can freely practice their religion or belief without fear of discrimination, exclusion or violence.