The National Assembly Committee on Cohesion and Equal Opportunities has strongly opposed a government proposal to establish the National Peacebuilding Commission (NPC), terming it as unnecessary and a duplication of roles.

The proposal, spearheaded by the Ministry of Interior, aims to create a Commission to oversee peacebuilding initiatives and manage the proposed Peace Building Fund. However, during a joint retreat with the National Commission and Integration Commission (NCIC) in Mombasa, lawmakers rejected the idea, calling for the empowerment of existing institutions like the NCIC.

The Pushback
Committee Chairperson Hon. Adan Haji stated that the establishment of the NPC would impose an additional financial burden on taxpayers without providing significant value. This sentiment was echoed by Vice Chairperson Hon. Liza Chelule, who emphasized the need to enhance the capacity of the NCIC instead of creating new entities.

“Effective enhancement of peace and cohesion in the country does not need a new Commission. The government should empower existing institutions to do the job,” said the Nakuru County MP.
Hon. Martin Owino (Ndhiwa MP) criticized the trend of forming commissions that fail to serve the public adequately, urging the government to prioritize adequate funding for the NCIC, which he described as “malnourished” due to financial constraints.

Kaspul MP Hon. Charles Were warned that creating the NPC would undermine the NCIC. “How do you kill your baby because you want to give birth to another one?” he posed, cautioning against sidelining existing bodies.
Financial Concerns
Teso North MP Hon. Oku Kaunya highlighted the economic implications of the proposed NPC, stating that Kenyans cannot afford the additional tax burden. “Have those proposing the new Commission thought about where they will get money for the Peace Building Fund?” he asked, expressing concerns over the sustainability of the initiative.
Hon. Charles Mathenge of Nyeri Town urged the government to focus on empowering the NCIC to implement crucial reports, such as the Ndung’u Lands Report and the Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) recommendations, which address underlying causes of conflict.
Public Resistance
Kajiado North MP Hon. Onesmus Ngogoyo predicted public opposition to the NPC, describing the creation of new commissions as an unpopular government practice. “Kenyans will resist any attempt to create this Commission,” he declared.
Expert Perspective
NCIC Chairperson Dr. Samuel Kobia, who presented the Peace Building Architecture (PBA) report during the retreat, defended the proposal as part of a broader effort to promote peace and integration. He clarified that the drafting of the report was initiated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and led by the Ministry of Interior, with NCIC only offering input.
Despite the report’s recommendations, including nationwide education on peacebuilding and empowering national institutions, MPs insisted that the NCIC is better positioned to execute these initiatives if adequately funded.
As debates continue, the proposal faces significant opposition in Parliament, with legislators advocating for strengthening existing structures to achieve peace and cohesion in the country.