**[Democracy & Governance Office -- Activity Data Sheet]{.underline}**

**National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK)**

**(Tana River Basin Peace Project)**

Jumuia Place, Lenana Road

P.O. Box 45009 00100

Nairobi

Contact: Rev. Mutava Musyimi/Susie Ibutu

Tel: 2721249, 2724099, 0733 758736, 0721388 277; Fax: 2724183;

E-mail: <gsoffice@ncck.org/sibutu@ncck.org>

**Grant No. 623-G-00-04-00019-00**

**Introduction:** The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) was
established in 1913. It brings together 35 member churches and Christian
based organizations in Kenya, to provide churches with a common platform
for addressing issues facing Kenyans. Since its formation, the Council
has been a key player in mobilizing the citizenry for engagement in
various issues.

NCCKs core programmes are in social delivery services and democracy and
governance (DG). This project falls under the DG Programme where the
National Peace Programme is situated. NCCK has been involved in peace
work from 1993 after the infamous land clashes. Its first provision was
that of relief and rehabilitation materials for the displaced
communities. This intervention developed into a peace building programme
which is implemented in partnership with community members. In 2000,
NCCK carried out a nation wide survey to establish the extent of
conflict in the country and out of this the National Agenda for Peace
Programme was established. The main objective of the peace programme was
to focus on issues raised in the community and bring them to the
national level for advocacy with key sectors of government and leaders.
In addition, the focus of the program has expanded to new areas which
were not previously covered. In 2002 NCCK's community and national peace
program was consolidated and renamed "National Peace Programme".

**Purpose:** To facilitate communities of the Tana River basin to
advocate for conditions that will result in peaceful co-existence.

**Geographic Coverage:** Tana River Basin and National.

**Timeframe:** 24 months - March 31 2004 -- March 30 2006.

**Inputs:** advocacy, technical assistance in conflict management, peace
building (e.g develop plans for resource sharing) and policy
formulation.

**Outputs and Results to Date:** (a) baseline survey that has provided
relevant information and data about the Tana River basin (b) several
forums have been held with partners and the local networks to share
findings of the research, prioritise issues, build capacity and map out
advocacy strategies (c) NCCK is a member of the National Steering
Committee (NSC) and has been attending planning meetings. Some of the
notable results include; local capacity enhanced through training, peace
structures have been established and other key actors such as provincial
administration and other NGOs (Oxfam, CJPC, and CPI) have been
identified and NCCK is working in collaboration with these actors.

**Planned Activities:** (a) publication of the survey (b) various forums
to discuss issues relating to resource sharing and security (c) training
on "early warning" and "early action" (d) capacity building of community
on medication and negotiation skills (e) establishment of women and
youth peace clubs (f) highlighting emerging issues at the national level
(g) continued participation at the NSC.

**Issues/Challenges:** (a) serious human/wildlife conflict for
communities living near game parks (b) proliferation of small arms from
neighboring countries (c) scarcity and or diminishing of natural
resources -- land, water (d) religious dimensions Christian vs Muslims
affect the project (e) communities mistrust the government -- provincial
administration (f) marginalization of women and youth.

**Partners/Other Donors:** NSC, CEMIRIDE, ITDG, WPDA