08/10/2026
Hekima Peace Initiative: Advancing Dialogue and Partnerships for Peace.
On 1 October 2026, a delegation from Hekima University College (HUC) and the Hekima University College Alumni Association (HUCAA) visited the Embassy of France in Kenya for an engagement on the newly launched Hekima Peace Initiative (HPI).
Arriving well ahead of the scheduled 3:00 p.m. appointment, the delegation was warmly received by Mr. Romain Boyer, Political Counsellor, who personally welcomed the team and led the engagement.
The meeting provided an opportunity to introduce HUC and share the vision of the Hekima Peace Initiative as a scholarly, research-informed and community-oriented response to the need for sustained peacebuilding in Kenya before, during and after the 2027 General Elections.
The presentation brought together Hekima’s academic and practical perspectives on peace. The HUCAA delegation outlined the rationale and strategic focus of the Initiative, backing this with experiences from communities directly affected by instability. Particular attention was given to the importance of early interventions in communities that may be particularly vulnerable during periods of political and social disruption.
The engagement also explored potential areas of collaboration with diplomatic actors. Mr. Boyer welcomed the Initiative and acknowledged the importance of peacebuilding efforts, noting that any potential partnership or support would be subject to the relevant procedures and guidance from the Embassy and its headquarters in Paris. He expressed willingness to explore avenues through which the Embassy could engage with the Initiative at a diplomatic level, including in relation to its piloting.
The conversation will continue, with a future engagement anticipated at HUC, bringing together the Embassy and the College administration for further discussions.
The engagement comes as Hekima prepares for the second phase of the Initiative — the National Peace Conference, scheduled for 4 December 2026 at HUC, Riara Road, Nairobi. The Conference will provide a platform for diverse stakeholders including academia, government institutions, constitutional commissions, county governments, political actors, security and justice institutions, faith-based organisations, civil society, youth and women leaders, persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups, the media, private sector, development partners, diplomatic missions and community representatives, to convene, reflect and contribute towards practical approaches to peacebuilding and the development of a National Peace Action Framework for Kenya’s 2027 General Elections.
For Hekima, the Hekima Peace Initiative is more than a programme. It is an expression of the College’s commitment to bringing together scholarship, research, community experience and dialogue in the pursuit of sustainable peace.
For a United, Strong and Peaceful Kenya.
Marcel Uwineza
