It was a full house on Thursday 3 October at the event in Nairobi as Interpeace launched its research “Entry-Points for Peace-Positive Investments in Northern Kenya’s Frontier Markets – An exploratory study of prospective peace-aligned investments in Elgeyo Marakwet, Mandera and Marsabit counties”. The event brought together the national and regional government, investors, peacebuilders, development actors and CSOs to outline next steps in order to attract peace-positive investment to Northern Kenya.

Member of Interpeace’s Governing Board Ambassador Amina Mohamed said: “Today marks a pivotal moment in our shared journey towards fostering stability and sustainable development in Northern Kenya. Through collective efforts we can unlock transformative change.”

Ambassador Mohammed outlined the importance of initiatives such as Finance for Peace by Interpeace, as the organisation has played a pivotal role in strengthening the capacity of local communities to manage conflicts and promote social cohesion. “These efforts”, she said, “have reshaped community relationships, reduced violence and nurtured trust among diverse stakeholders.

“As we navigate towards inclusive investment strategies, the concept of Peace Finance becomes paramount. By integrating peace efforts into our investment frameworks we can mitigate risks, enhance returns and contribute significantly to a peaceful and prosperous Northern Kenya”, Ambassador Mohammed said.

Full speech: https://shorturl.at/Trjo1

Principal Secretary of the State Department for Devolution Ms Terry Mbaika affirmed the Kenyan Government’s commitment to promote peace-positive investments in the country. She said: “It is clear that peacebuilding considerations need to be better integrated into development finance and mainstreamed into investment approaches.

“The Government is committed to integrating peace initiatives into its development agenda. We do this by ensuring that every step towards economic growth is accompanied by conscious efforts to maintain and enhance stability.” Ms Mbaika called for the alignment of investment opportunities with peacebuilding efforts to create mutual benefits for both investors and local communities.

Full speech: https://shorturl.at/YxdSZ

Michael Pietsch of the German Embassy in Kenya said: "Germany is spearheading financing for peace. We need to ensure investments positively impact peace. We need Finance for Peace. Germany is partnering with Interpeace to develop a Peace Finance Impact Framework and Peace Finance Standard.

“Protracted conflicts across the globe have impeded development efforts and have led the UN Secretary-General to call upon the international community to intensify efforts for peace and identify new sources for financing for peace. Recently, UN Member States reiterated their commitment to building and sustaining peace when endorsing the Pact for the Future. However, public resources are scarce and we need more sustainable financing for peace.”

Full speech: https://shorturl.at/vrlun