Stakeholders Advocate for Increased Youth Involvement in Peacebuilding Among Pastoralist Communities
The fourth edition of the Peace Ultra Marathon Isiolo (PUMI) was flagged off with a strong message from Buuri East Assistant County Commissioner Winnie Macharia, who emphasized the need to involve more young people from pastoralist communities in peacebuilding initiatives.
More than 110 participants, predominantly youth from Isiolo, Marsabit, Meru, Laikipia, and Samburu, took part in the 50-kilometer run dedicated to promoting peace across regions affected by inter-community conflict. Macharia noted that the marathon has proven effective in reducing incidents of banditry by fostering information exchange and enhancing awareness around peace and conflict resolution.
She stressed the importance of young people leading these efforts, describing them as the link between historical conflict and future peaceful coexistence in areas frequently facing resource-based tensions.
Beyond the run, the PUMI initiative features a range of complementary activities, including community dialogues, cultural performances, and environmental conservation through tree planting. These activities have helped bring together diverse communities to collaborate on peacebuilding efforts.
Jacob Waqo of the Merti Integrated Development Project MIDP observed that the marathon has grown steadily over the past four years, contributing to social cohesion and improved relations between neighboring communities.
John Ekai, Assistant Chief of Burat Location in Isiolo, participated in the marathon and highlighted the importance of the event for administrators like himself. The marathon allowed him to engage directly with young participants, build relationships, and exchange contacts—tools he believes are essential for strengthening early warning systems and facilitating communication across regions.
Participant Wilson Lemilion said that public awareness efforts around peace and security have led to a decline in cattle rustling. He noted that even during droughts, communities are now more willing to share limited resources such as water and grazing land—something that was previously rare.
Another participant, Paul Konsol, acknowledged the historical role of youth in contributing to insecurity. However, he expressed optimism that events like PUMI are inspiring many young people to adopt more positive roles in society. Paul also voiced sorrow over the death of the previous year’s marathon winner, who was shot by bandits while grazing livestock in Baringo.
The somber news was shared during an intercommunity dialogue session held the night before the race by Hillary Halkano of the Child Peace Initiative. Participants honored the fallen runner with a moment of silence around a bonfire on a cold evening in Timau town.
Trizah Eyanae the Peacebuilding Manager, IMPACT Kenya, a project officer from the Indigenous Movement for Peace Advancement and Conflict Transformation (IMPACT), addressed the cultural challenges faced by youth in pastoralist societies. She explained that many young people are excluded from livestock inheritance due to traditional norms, pushing some toward cattle raiding to meet their needs. She emphasized the urgent need for development partners to support youth empowerment as a way to prevent conflict.
Abdi Mohamed, who has taken part in all four PUMI editions, shared that the marathon has increased his awareness, experience, and connections with youth from other regions. He credited the Regional Pastoralists Peace Link for launching what he described as a transformative and impactful initiative.
This year’s 50-kilometer race, themed Running for Peace, started in Timau, passed through Borana Ranch and Ilinguesi Conservancy, and concluded in Leparua.
Peace Corps chief inspector of police uncharged of Upper Eastern Region, Julious Mutabari challenged the youths to be peace ambassadors adding that more emphasis was being placed now on them to lead peace initiative especially among the pastoralists groups which previously only emphasized the role of elders.
The two-day peace event was organized by the Regional Pastoralists Peace Link, in partnership with IMPACT Kenya, Child Peace Initiative Kenya, Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund, Rise Network, Merti Integrated Development Programme, Frontier Counties Development Council, and PARAAN Alliance.
