Kenya: A Case for Peaceful Prevention

The prevention of a full-fledged civil war in Kenya following disputed elections in 2007 demonstrated how the tools of diplomacy, development, and international cooperation can help prevent mass atrocities and restore peace. When violence broke out, the U.S. joined Kenyan civil society, regional neighbors, and the broader international community to put pressure on leaders to halt the bloodshed and broker a peace agreement.

The fragile peace in Kenya held through a constitutional referendum in 2010, but the difficult process of building peace continues. Many of the factors that motivated deadly conflict before— including lack of accountability for past violence, tension over land distribution, and high rates of youth unemployment —continue to pose a threat. As Kenya’s next national elections in 2012 approach, efforts to sustain peace and prevent renewed violence are needed.

U.S. Policy Recommendations

Through its strong economy, vibrant civil society, and meaningful contributions to regional organizations and peacekeeping efforts, Kenya remains an important global partner. Though lasting peace will only come from the continued dedication of Kenyans themselves, the U.S. and international policies and actions directly affect their efforts.

When FCNL meets with policymakers in Washington, we highlight Kenya both as a peaceful prevention success story and a risk of renewed violence. Through applying the kinds of civilian tools that FCNL encourages Congress and the administration to develop, the United States may help to prevent renewed violence during the 2012 elections. Two examples of tools that can be used to effectively prevent future war are the Complex Crises Fund and the Civilian Response Corps (see "Pennies for Peace: Funding the Peaceful Prevention of Deadly Conflict"). Here are other steps the United States could take to help prevent deadly conflict in Kenya:

• Plan for the peaceful prevention of deadly conflict: Establish a coherent U.S. strategy for helping to prevent and respond to violent conflict that could occur around the 2012 elections in Kenya. Coordinate with the international community.
• Encourage accountability and reform: Continue to encourage implementation of the constitutional reforms that Kenyans want. Emphasize accountability at a national and local level for past—and future—perpetrators of violence, while also promoting reconciliation.
• Support local efforts to build peace and prevent violence: Support grassroots peacebuilding, civic education, and local elections monitoring efforts, particularly in areas where violence has occurred and is likely to be renewed. Make local partnerships a requirement for aid recipients.
• Focus on the root causes of conflict: Focus U.S. development assistance to address the root causes of conflict, including programs that reach rural communities and prioritize engagement with youth, women, and community leaders.
• End security assistance that does more harm than good: Support Kenyan efforts to ensure an accountable and effective justice system. Monitor police units that receive assistance from the United States to ensure that they protect—rather than harm—Kenyan citizens.

As 2012 draws near, FCNL will continue to advocate for the peaceful prevention of deadly conflict in Kenya. Connecting the experience of Friends building peace with Kenyan community leaders to the efforts of those making policy in Washington will strengthen this advocacy. To learn more and receive updates on this work, including a forthcoming new policy brief, contact Bridget Moix.

Quaker Action

Kenyan Quakers are leading activities to help prevent deadly conflict in Kenya. One group formed in response to the election crisis is the Friends Church Peace Team (FCPT), which has worked since 2007 to provide Alternatives to Violence workshops and to develop peaceful leadership among youths in some of the regions most affected by past violence.

FCNL is working with FCPT and other Quaker organizations to help prevent further deadly conflict in Kenya. Through helping to coordinate monthly conference calls among groups including the FCPT, African Great Lakes Initiative, the Quaker United Nations Office, and Quaker Peace and Social Witness, we are connecting Friends who advocate in Washington and elsewhere with those who work directly with communities in conflict. In March, FCNL hosted Getry Agizah, a visitor from FCPT, and organized meetings with U.S. policymakers in which she spoke about the importance of supporting local efforts to prevent violent conflict in Kenya.

-Cassidy Regan, Scoville Peace Fellow