The Pluralism Project at Harvard University
Jared Akama
Center for Partnership and Civic Engagement
Nairobi, Kenya
Developing Local Inter-Faith Capacity in Conflict Transformation and Peacebuilding in Kenya
Download Full Project Proposal
Issues to be addressed by project
Confounding the expectations of secularists, religion has a strong–perhaps growing significance as a key source of identity for millions of people, especially in the developing world. In recent years, religion has made a muted but tangible impact in Western development circles, most commonly reflecting the view that religious hatreds and differences are central to many recent and current conflicts in the developing world. Researches indicate that religion can both encourage conflict and build peace, reflecting growing evidence that religious forces can play a constructive role in helping to resolve conflicts. Religious individuals and faith-based organizations, as carriers of religious ideas, can play important roles, not only as a source of conflict but also as a tool for conflict resolution and peace-building, providing early warnings of conflicts, good offices once conflict has erupted, and contributing to advocacy, mediation and reconciliation. Briefcase studies of religious peacemakers–from Mozambique, Nigeria and Cambodia (among others)–demonstrate attempts, characteristically partially successful, to reconcile previously warring communities, thereby helping to achieve greater social cohesion, and providing a crucial foundation for progress in enhancing human development.
This project will delve into the religious perspective to conflict both as a causative agent and as an antidote. This is based on the fact that Kenya has a population that is 90% Christian, 9% Islam and 1% Hindu. However, the level of conflict is high especially among the Christians themselves. Of course the religious factor is but one of many related issues, e.g. political differences in terms of ideologies, political figureheads in certain regions, inequality in resource distribution and perceived unequal development among the youth of Kenya across ethnic lines. The main purpose of this project will be to assist participants to utilize religion as a positive source of reconciliation and peacebuilding rather than a negative agent of conflict escalation.
Primary Topics for Dialogue
This proposed project seeks to understand and provide a forum about the following;
- Aspects of traditional religious beliefs and practices in relation with conflict resolution/peace making in identified conflict prone areas in Kenya such as North and South Rift Valley and Nairobi Slums regions)
- The place of religion in Kenyan conflict and peacemaking processes
- The role of religious leaders in 2005 constitution referendum, 2007 electioneering period and post election violence, 2010 constitutional making process taking into consideration that the constitution is one of the factors that led to the PEV
- Emerging religious intolerance in Kenya (Christians vs. Muslims) over the inclusion of Kadhi’s courts in constitution and what this means for peace in Kenya now and in future.
- Is Kenya a secular state or multi-religious state? The understanding and impact on Kenya’s security situation
- The recent High Court ruling that the inclusion of Kadhi’s courts in the constitution as subordinate courts under the judiciary as illegal and unconstitutional-its effect on the Muslims and Islam religion and the well being of Kenyans in general.
- Post constitution referendum (August 4, 2010): the relationship between Christians and Muslims and the peace situation in Kenya.
- Establish 7 inter-faith religious conflict transformation networks in target regions in Kenya for long lasting peace in the target regions in Kenya
- To inculcate non violence approaches in solving societal issues including religious beliefs and opinions.
“We cannot enjoy true peace unless we submit to God’s will” is it true and how it’s linked to conflict transformation within the Kenyan context.
Project Goal
Through this project, CEPACET’s main goal is to encourage non violence conflict as a way of life and practice peace as an individual initiative by believers of all religions in Kenya hence religious tolerance and co-existence.