University of Nairobi Council Chairperson Prof Chacha Nyaigoti Chacha has emphasized the importance of peace in institutions, stating that they can only effectively execute their mandates in an environment of tranquillity. He made these remarks during the Jukwaa la Wasomi graduation ceremony for Certified Professional Mediators held at the Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace.
Chacha warned that conflicts in learning institutions often begin with seemingly minor misunderstandings that, if not addressed early, can escalate into violence, destruction of property and loss of lives. He cited situations in which students could approach school administrators with requests that are not granted, potentially creating tensions that escalate into destruction and violence.
The Jukwaa la Wasomi programme seeks to strengthen the capacity of students and university communities to participate in mediation, preventive security and leadership, with the broader objective of promoting peaceful institutions and a stable society. Chacha said the training of student leaders in conflict resolution was important in equipping them with skills to identify and address disputes before they escalate.
Chacha said Kenya had witnessed conflicts that began with minor disagreements before developing into serious incidents. He emphasized that peace should not be viewed solely as an issue affecting institutions of higher learning, arguing that it cuts across all levels of education and society.
According to Chacha, effective mediation requires institutions to create channels through which students and their leaders can raise concerns and receive explanations from administrators. He said disagreements could sometimes be resolved through a simple conversation between students and institutional leaders before they developed into larger disputes.
The council chair said the training of professional mediators and student leaders was therefore an important intervention in strengthening peaceful coexistence within learning institutions. He said preventing conflict at an early stage was preferable to responding after disputes had escalated into violence.
University vice-chancellors and other institutional leaders had an important role to play in managing such situations through dialogue. Chacha said student leaders who approach university management with questions about decisions or services should be given an opportunity to engage with administrators.
Key points
- University of Nairobi Council Chairperson Prof Chacha Nyaigoti Chacha emphasizes the importance of peace in institutions.
- Conflicts in learning institutions often begin with minor misunderstandings.
- Effective mediation requires institutions to create channels for students to raise concerns.
