Women Mediation Network of Kenya Reconstitutes Ahead of 2027 to Safeguard Peace and Inclusion
Echo Network Africa Foundation (ENAF), in partnership with the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO), hosted women mediators to initiate the revitalization of the Women Mediation Network of Kenya (WMN-K) for the 2027 electoral cycle. The high-level convening brought together a powerful coalition of institutions and groups, including the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) Kenya Chapter, the National Peace and Mediation Team (NPMT), the Uwiano Platform for Peace, Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organization (MYWO), retired judges, Mothers of the Nation, Young Mediators, disability rights advocates, and county women peace champions. Reflecting on the origins of the Network, participants noted how women previously organized during the 2022 general elections to build peace networks across hotspot counties, established a trusted three-tiered structure including a steering committee and a technical team chaired by Prof. Maria Nzomo, developed a women’s mediation guide with UN support, and lobbied key electoral duty bearers.
Delivering the framing remarks on behalf of ENAF President and CEO Dr. Jennifer Riria, ENAF Chief of Party Sarah Muhoya emphasized that the network must move beyond starting and stopping to focus on true sustainability between general elections. Stressing that women must take active ownership of their role in national stability, she noted: “This is our country, and we must own this initiative, organize early, and play our rightful role in shaping society.” Adding profound depth to the session, Dr. Kimairis Toogood, Peace and Development Advisor at the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, affirmed the UN family’s steadfast commitment to backing the network, stating that the United Nations stands ready to support Kenya through joint election preparedness and emphasizing why early diplomacy is non-negotiable: “Prevention is always cheaper, safer, and more durable than coming too late to the conversation.”
Building on these foundational discussions, delegates transitioned into working sessions to evaluate past lessons, address security challenges, and map out a clear restructuring plan. Concluding the convening, stakeholders committed to owning the initiative as a united front, agreeing that a follow-up meeting will establish a coordination structure and an apex of mediators with real access to the political class.
