As Kenya intensifies efforts to safeguard Freedom of Religion or Belief (FORB), the Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC) took center stage in critical national consultations aimed at shaping the country’s forthcoming National Action Plan on FORB. The engagement marks a key milestone in advancing the GNRC Strategy 2030 and the Abu Dhabi Plan of Action toward peaceful, safe, and inclusive societies for children.
Organized under the JISRA Consortium, Peacemakers Network, and Finn Church Aid, the two-day consultation brought together government institutions, faith leaders, civil society, and peacebuilding experts to confront Kenya’s interfaith challenges and chart a national path forward. Representing GNRC were Secretary General Dr. Mustafa Y. Ali and Programs Officer Ms. Halima Wanjiku, who actively contributed to in-depth working group discussions across both days.
Unpacking the Roots of Interfaith Tension
Day one focused on the historical and emerging drivers of interfaith mistrust in Kenya. Participants examined the impact of geopolitics, land governance legacies, the coastal strip question, religious political movements of the 1990s, major terror attacks, media narratives, and unresolved historical injustices such as the Wagalla Massacre.
The discussions highlighted practical community-based solutions aligned with GNRC Strategy 2030, including strengthening counter-narratives, promoting interreligious dialogue, enhancing media religious literacy, teaching children religious diversity, expanding youth and women’s engagement, and addressing economic and historical inequalities.
Transforming Narratives for a More Inclusive Kenya
On day two, attention turned to reshaping harmful narratives around religion, identity, and citizenship. Stakeholders emphasized the need to curb the weaponization of religion, protect minority rights, and strengthen interfaith and intrafaith “connectors” to reinforce national cohesion. These recommendations will directly inform Kenya’s National Action Plan on FORB.
GNRC Reaffirms Commitment to Children and Peace
Throughout the consultations, GNRC reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to advancing interfaith understanding and protecting children’s dignity and rights. By contributing at the national policy level, GNRC continues to live out its Strategy 2030 vision of building a safe, secure, and sustainable world where every child can thrive.
GNRC expressed appreciation to the organizing partners and confirmed its continued support towards the successful implementation of Kenya’s National Action Plan on Freedom of Religion or Belief.
