AFSC AND NDU-K HOLD STAKEHOLDERS MEETING IN NAIROBI

The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) and the National Defence University–Kenya (NDU-K) co-hosted a stakeholder breakfast roundtable on 25th September 2025 at Villa Rosa Kempinski, Nairobi. The session was chaired by the Commandant, National Defence College (NDC), Lieutenant General Juma Mwinyikai, on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, NDU-K, Lieutenant General David Tarus.

The theme of the meeting was “The Plight of Children, Women, Youth and Other At-Risk Groups in Conflict Zones in the Horn of Africa: Focus on Sudan, South Sudan and Kenya’s North Rift Region”

Discussions revolved around three key objectives: Deepening collective understanding of the challenges, assessing humanitarian and policy gaps, and Formulating strategic responses.

Participants included government officials, humanitarian actors, civil society organizations, youth and women-led groups, intergovernmental organizations, policy researchers, and donor agencies.

The forum identified pressing issues such as exposure to violence, food insecurity, displacement, and the recruitment of children by armed groups. Stakeholders reviewed existing interventions, highlighted gaps, and explored potential solutions—emphasizing evidence-based approaches to youth protection, education in emergencies, and inclusive peacebuilding.

In his closing remarks, Lt Gen Mwinyikai commended AFSC’s role in facilitating the dialogue, noting the importance of outlining priority challenges and practical recommendations. “I am pleased with the new partnerships forged among academia, government representatives, and civil society organizations, which will set the stage for collaborative interventions,” he remarked.

The AFSC underscored the roundtable as a critical step in advancing its mission in peacebuilding, social justice, and protection of vulnerable populations. The meeting reflected AFSC’s commitment to conflict transformation, migrant protection, and inclusive dialogue. It concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and actionable strategies to enhance sustainable peace in the region.

Notable contributors in the discussions included Prof M Ruteere, Maj Gen Joyce Sitienei, Ms Yosra Akasha, Dr Mustafa Ali and Dr Mumo Nzau.