The meeting, sponsored by the Danish Red Cross and the Kenya Red Cross in partnership with the Wajir and Isiolo County Governments, brought together leaders and peace stakeholders from Cherab, Wajir West and Hadado sub-counties in Habaswein to strengthen cross-border collaboration, promote harmony and safeguard shared resources.
The meeting brought together Deputy County Commissioners, Assistant County Commissioners, sub-county administrators, peace committee members and directors in charge of peace and cohesion from Isiolo and Wajir.
Participants reviewed recent progress made in peacebuilding within the three sub-counties which share common borders and rely heavily on pastoral resources. Notable achievements included the recovery of stolen livestock through coordinated action between security agencies and peace committees.
This success has greatly reduced tensions and built confidence among the communities. There was also recognition of the enhanced collaboration between security organs and local leaders which has created an effective framework for conflict resolution and joint response to emerging challenges.
The Habaswein deliberations resulted in a shared understanding of the way forward. Leaders emphasized the importance of respecting rangeland protocols by ensuring that herders observe agreed grazing rules. Any community intending to graze in a neighbouring sub-county should first engage with the host sub-county through the office of the Deputy County Commissioner.
It was further agreed that wrongdoing should never be generalized to entire clans or ethnic groups. Acts such as livestock theft must be attributed to individuals rather than communities, in order to avoid divisive profiling and to promote mutual trust.
Participants also underscored the need for joint security and community collaboration in addressing incidents that threaten peace. Both counties will be expected to take collective responsibility for tracking and returning stolen animals while working closely with peace committees and security agencies.
In addition, community members were urged to voluntarily surrender illegal firearms as a show of commitment to reducing insecurity and supporting ongoing peace initiatives.
The Habaswein meeting reaffirmed the determination of Cherab, Wajir West and Hadado sub-counties to foster peaceful coexistence and sustainable resource management. By choosing dialogue, respecting protocols and reinforcing collective responsibility, the leaders and communities signaled their resolve to secure long-term stability along their shared borders.
