The past four days have been filled with musical chairs, balloon games, searching for pumps to inflate soccer balls, dusty hiking pants, potatoes and cabbage, and children’s smiles that lift your heart. 

I am beginning to witness how CPI’s strategic multi-pronged strategic programming is crucial for decreasing conflict between these pastoralist communities. CPI’s approach starts with the kids and works its way up to the older generations. This is because children aren’t as privy to the history or pain that the other tribe has inflicted upon their community—aside from the fact that children are less likely to hold grudges and would rather have fun with whoever is nearby.

The end goal of the peace camp is for the kids to find a friend of the other tribe, with whom they connected with during camp. This sets the foundation for CPI’s follow-on activities: “Holiday Exchange” and “Homestays.” The former will be held next month, bringing the kids together again (with parents this time) for another multi-day camp prior to a weekend homestay at the IlChamus friend’s home. Homestays are a key turning point in enabling peace. This summer, IlChamus families will open their homes to a Pokot child, which may have been unthinkable previously.

Notably, CPI understands that friendship shouldn’t be forced. Monica reminded us that friendship “by fire or force” just doesn’t work. I admire CPI for empowering the kids to make decisions for themselves, and prioritizing authentic connection over increasing their numbers for reporting purposes.

Children are excited for camp to begin!

Pokot child leading his blindfolded IlChamus friend through the maze

I found that each interviewee had a unique perspective about their experience with and perception of the conflict. However, a common thread throughout the conversations was that every single person, without being prompted, said enthusiastically that CPI has contributed to decreased conflict between the tribes since they began programming several years back. 

I started each conversation on a positive note, reflecting the nature of the peace camp. When I asked Reverend Thomas what makes him proud to be part of the IlChamus community, he emphasized the language, cultural ceremonies, and that everyone has a role to play in society. Despite the history of violence, he is hopeful for the future and believes that one day the groups will live in harmony. When I asked what he thinks caused/s the conflict, which he said turned increasingly violent in the late 1970’s, he started with the “politics system.” Politicians from both sides vie for votes by promising they will acquire land from the other to utilize natural resources like oil, gold, and minerals.

He said that foreign governments and multinational corporations have come in for the same thing. Interestingly, he noted that these resources are not widely known by the general public, so there is a comparative advantage. Admittedly I wasn’t aware of this issue—and will need more info in how this contributes to conflict. However, this is a lesson in itself—new perspectives and realities are emerging for me, and they will continue to. This conflict is multifaceted, and each factor matters.

Revered Thomas and me

Next, I am heading to the IlChamus’ home in Kiserian (in Baringo County) to embark on program #2: a resource advocacy workshop. Stay tuned!