|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
By SHABAN MAKOKHA
Machakos, Kenya: The countdown is on as the Amani Club National Debating Championship for Peace kicks off from April 7th to 10th in Machakos County, hosted across the grounds of Machakos Girls High School and Machakos School.
Machakos County is expected to come alive with colour, vibrancy, and the youthful energy of students passionate about peace. Officials say all logistics accommodation, venues, transport, and adjudication are already in place.
This year’s event brings together hundreds of students from all corners of the country, united by a shared mission: to use dialogue, debate, and critical thinking to champion peace-building and national cohesion.
The 2026 theme “Dialogue Over Division: Youth Voices for a Peaceful and United Country” reflects the urgent need to amplify young people’s role in strengthening Kenya’s social fabric.
Western region schools have lined up an impressive team in both the senior and junior categories, hoping to replicate and surpass their outstanding run at the 2025 national finals hosted at Koyonzo Boys High School.
Senior category representatives include ACK Namulungu Secondary School, Nanyeni Secondary School, St. Peter’s Mumias Boys High School, Butere Boys High School, Booker Academy, St Monica Chakol and Tigoi Girls.
ACK Namulungu Secondary School will be making its second shot at the national stage with glory.
Namulungu’s rise is credited to the dedication and vision of the school Deputy Principal Kennedy Kunani, who doubles as the national peace advocate and Amani Club’s national chairperson.
St. Peter’s Mumias Boys High School will be appearing at the national glory as trailblazers. The school is among the pioneers of Amani Clubs in the Western region and has mentored countless peace ambassadors.
“Our consistency has set a benchmark inspiring many schools to join the movement,” said Mr Chrispinus Owino, the School Principal.
Joysil Preparatory School from Matungu which stands out as the rising star of peace in education shoulders the burden of the Junior Category from the region.
The school director Sylvester Musikoyo said he has been building a formidable team that has captured repute in peace-centered writing and debate.
“We train our learners to understand peace not as an abstract idea, but as a daily practice,” said Mr. Musikoyo.
The school has clinched multiple trophies in national essay competitions and now enters the championships eager to make its mark in debating.
Amani Clubs were launched by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) after the 2007–2008 post-election violence to cultivate unity, discipline, tolerance, and peace-building values among school-going children.
Over the years, Amani Clubs have transformed school cultures through peer mentorship, debate and essay competitions, conflict resolution activities both in and outside schools and cultural exchange events.
Education and peace stakeholders agree that this year’s theme carries heightened significance as Kenya continues working to strengthen unity and cohesion.
Mr. Kunani said preparations for this year’s national championship are complete and the teams will be entering Machakos with confidence: “This year’s championship will surpass previous editions.” He said. “Our students are ready to shine.”
“When the youth speak for peace, a nation listens.” Mr. Kunani added.” When they debate for peace, a nation heals.”
Kenya’s youthful population constitutes over 75% of the citizens. Schools are the earliest training grounds for unity and coexistence. Debate builds critical thinking, empathy, and respectful engagement and Amani Clubs help break ethnic, religious, and social barriers.
Last year’s championship, held at Koyonzo Boys High School, remains one of the most successful editions in the program’s history showcasing Western Kenya’s commitment to nurturing peace champions.
This legacy is fueling high expectations this year as the region eyes national trophies and top honours.
As delegations arrive in Machakos for four days of rigorous, inspiring, and transformative debate, one thing is clear: Kenya’s future peacemakers are already here, in classrooms, in debate halls, and on Amani Club stages.
