BY SHABAN OMAR
As drug abuse and criminal activity continue to grip a growing number of teenagers along Kenya’s Coast, a new peacebuilding initiative is tapping into the power of drama and poetry to reach Generation Z learners in Mombasa and Kwale counties.
The program, dubbed Kujenga Amani (Building Peace), is spearheaded by Muslims Women Advancement of Rights and Protection (MWARP), CEFA, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), and other partners.
It uses spoken word, theatrical performances, and creative expression to promote peace, unity, and resilience among students.
Currently running in 24 secondary schools across the two counties, the initiative is channeled through school-based Amani Clubs.
The rollout comes at a time when peer pressure, drug addiction, and gang recruitment have left many young people vulnerable to destructive paths.
According to MWARP officer Fahad Changi, the program aims to empower students to become peace ambassadors in their communities.
“This initiative is not just about talent, it’s about transforming lives. We want to equip students with the values and tools to reject violence, tribalism, and drugs, and instead embrace dialogue, diversity, and peace,” he said.
Changi noted that schools offer a critical entry point for early intervention, and that creative platforms provide a safe space for young people to express their struggles and aspirations while building confidence and empathy.
He said schools engage in inter school competitions where students perform emotionally charged pieces that address real-life issues such as radicalization, gender-based violence, drug trafficking, and political intolerance to spark meaningful dialogue among students, teachers, and community leaders.
Changi further said that the program also includes mentorship, peer counseling, and forums that bring together students from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds to foster mutual respect and national cohesion.
The officer said that the program also helps students identify and nurture their talents while channeling their energy into positive pursuits.
“When learners discover their talents through drama and poetry, they gain confidence and start envisioning brighter futures,” he said. “It keeps them focused and away from destructive behaviors,” he said.
Mombasa Amani Clubs Coordinator Shakombo Mwangauri said the program is focused in Mombasa and Kwale due to their heightened exposure to radicalization and violent extremism.
Mwangauri revealed that similar initiatives are being tailored for other coastal counties, with the broader goal of instilling national unity and resilience among the country’s youth.
He reported a noticeable drop in school rivalries and inter-student tensions, attributing it to the culture of collaboration and peaceful expression cultivated by the program.
“Instead of hostility and competition, we’re seeing students coming together, sharing ideas, and expressing themselves in constructive ways,” he said.
He added that to encourage ownership and participation, outstanding students are awarded certificates, trophies, and even mentorship opportunities at regional forums to reinforce the values of discipline, unity, and personal growth.
Mwanambeyu Girls High School teacher Abdalla Hamza hailed the initiative, calling it a game-changer in both student and teacher development.
He said the program equips learners with practical peacebuilding skills and strengthens their sense of social responsibility.
Hamza added that students are also engaged in community service activities such as beach cleanups, visits to children’s homes, and local development projects further embedding the culture of peace and compassion.
Barbara Madina, a student at Mama Ngina Girls High School, praised the program for nurturing leadership and public speaking skills among youth.
“As a student, I’ve seen how these artistic expressions give us a sense of purpose,” she said. “It’s powerful. I now see myself not just as a learner, but as a peace ambassador.”
Madina said the initiative had transformed her outlook on life and helped revive her leadership ambitions.
