Building Peace, Unity and Sustainable Communities Across Kenya

From July to September 2026, a delegation of African Humanists, led by Tracey Kadada and Ragnar Sverrisson, travelled across different communities in Kenya to strengthen the work in peace and nonviolence, gender equality, food sovereignty, sports, art, music and culture, social justice, disability inclusion, youth empowerment and support for marginalized communities.

Report by Tracey Kadada – Pictures credit: Africa Humanist

The journey brought together thousands of community members, farmers, young mothers, artists, footballers, people living with disabilities, widows, survivors of post election violence, students, prison inmates, community leaders and humanist groups.

 

Migori – Art, Culture and Food Sovereignty

Our journey began in Migori, where we were contacted by Omollo and engaged with schools and local communities. On 25 July 2026, we held a cultural event focusing on art, music, culture and food sovereignty.

We also visited a football team in Uriri, Migori, working together with Uriri Social Justice and Coach Willis. Sports provided an opportunity to connect young people with peace, teamwork and community development.

On 28 July, we officially launched a Food Sovereignty Thematic Table, attracting more than 1,000 participants, including chiefs, government officials, farmers and community members. More than 300 young mothers also participated, ensuring that their voices were included in discussions about food, livelihoods and community development.

Trans Nzoia – Farmers and Food Sovereignty

On 30 July, we visited farmers in Trans Nzoia, exchanged ideas and discussed how the Food Sovereignty Thematic Table of the World Humanist Forum could attract more farmers and communities. The discussions focused on strengthening local food production, sharing knowledge and creating sustainable community initiatives.

Dr. Wakube Village – Supporting Young Mothers

On 1 August, we visited Dr. Wakube Village, where we interacted with more than 300 young mothers who had benefited from the Humanist Movement.

Our discussions focused particularly on gender-based violence against women, prevention, community support and practical solutions that can help women and families build safer futures.

We also visited Survivors CBO, led by Jael and Violet Mugeha. The organization supports women who survived violence during the post-election period. We learned about their experiences and visited their projects involving widows, young mothers and elderly women.

Education, Disability Inclusion and Sustainable Development

On 3 August, we visited Sheila’s group, which focuses on education and sponsorship for children and adults. We met more than six groups that have benefited from the Humanist movement.

We also visited Barnos’ group, which works with people living with disabilities. Together, we brainstormed about sustainable energy, inclusion and community development, looking for ways to create opportunities that can benefit people with disabilities.

Eldoret – Sports, Peace and Refugee Artists

On 6 August, we met sports representatives in Eldoret who are connected with the Sports for Peace and Development Thematic Table of the World Humanist Forum. The network included 62 football teams and two basketball teams, involving both boys and girls.

We also met Humanist artists who are refugees. Together, we discussed establishing an artists’ club and developing income-generating projects that can help artists become more economically sustainable while using art and culture to foster peace.

Kisumu – Inclusion and Community Support

On 8 August, we travelled to Kisumu, where we visited different groups of widows and young mothers. We also met Hearts to Smile, led by Lavina, representing people living with disabilities.

These meetings strengthened our commitment to ensuring that people who are often marginalized are included in Humanist programs and community development.

Healthy Food and Farming

On 10 August, we met Mama Anne Lauren, an influential farmer. We shared a meal and exchanged ideas about healthy living, nutrition, farming and planting healthy food.

The meeting reminded us that food sovereignty is not only about producing food but also about understanding what we eat and how food contributes to healthier communities.

Nakuru – Young Mothers, Sex Workers and Football

On 14 August, we travelled to Nakuru and met young mothers who are sex workers, as well as footballers from Mazembe Village, led by Coach Alvin and Faith.

On 20 August, we organized a football tournament for young mothers. The tournament was an inspiring example of how sport can create confidence, friendship, inclusion and positive opportunities for women and young mothers.

Oyugis – Humanist Community Networks

From 28 August to 4 September, we visited Oyugis, where we met Humanist groups working in different areas, including Soccer and youth development, Food sovereignty, Gender-based violence prevention, Religion and dialogue and Political science and civic engagement.

The visit allowed different groups to exchange experiences and explore opportunities for cooperation.

Kibos Prison – Second Chances and Reintegration

During our work in Kisumu, we also visited Kibos Prison, where we interacted with inmates and listened to their experiences.

Our Vihiga team helped connect inmates with pro bono lawyers, who are now working on their cases. Teams from Vihiga, led by Survivors CBO, Eldoret through Shujaaz CBO, Nakuru through Coach Alvin, and Midrift Organization also brought experience from their work with inmates and marginalized communities.

Together, we developed an important idea: supporting people leaving prison to access shelter, employment, community acceptance and opportunities for a new beginning.

Safe Water and Community Support

Throughout our journey, we were also able to distribute chlorine machines to communities and schools, courtesy of Safe Water International Ministries, led by Esther Mapesa. We visited Takk orphanage in Oyugis where we spent time with the children, the directors Mr Olaf and her partner Elsa, in their cultural festival. We could also wish a happy birthday to Mr Olaf, the founder of the home.

 

In addition, Africa Humanist and its partners are supporting approximately 15 humanist groups from different parts of Kenya. Communities are being benefited through school fees and educational support, food assistance and provision of seeds and seedlings. Some help goes also for accommodation and transport for the activities, while the main support includes mentorship, positive energy and encouragement, organizing community networks, and a strong spirit of unity, friendship and collaboration.

September – Strengthening Partnerships

On 5 September 2026, we met with Midrift Organization to discuss partnership opportunities, future cooperation and practical ways to strengthen our community work.

A Journey of Unity and Humanism

The July–September journey demonstrated the power of bringing people together across different backgrounds and communities. From farmers and young mothers to artists, footballers, people with disabilities, widows, survivors, refugees and inmates, the Humanist movement continued to create spaces for people to meet, listen, learn, support one another and develop solutions together.

The collaboration with Ragnar Sverrisson from Iceland strengthened international friendship and solidarity while connecting local Kenyan initiatives with a wider Humanist vision.

Our work continues to focus on peace and nonviolence, food sovereignty, gender equality, social justice, art, music and culture, sports, inclusion, sustainable development and second chances.

Together we continue building bridges, supporting communities and creating opportunities for a more peaceful, inclusive and sustainable Africa.

For a borderless Africa! Peace, Unity, Friendship and Joy!

Africa Humanist

We also extend our deepest appreciation to Ragnar Sverisson and Julius Valdimarsson from Iceland for their continued support, commitment, resources and financial contribution towards making this project a reality. Your belief in the vision of peace, nonviolence, food sovereignty, art, music, culture and human empowerment has helped strengthen our work on the ground.

Pressenza Kenya