By: Agwanda Saye
Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, the Governor of Kisumu County, has declared that the historical border disputes between Kisumu and Kericho counties are officially a thing of the past. To mark this achievement, he proposed the erection of a monumental plaque in Sondu.
Speaking at the commemoration of the International Day of Peace in Kisumu, Governor Nyong’o explained that the resolution was a result of choosing “dialogue over division.” He credited the success to a collaborative effort involving the NCIC, community elders, and leaders from both sides, who were willing to “sit together, listen, and find a common ground.”
Nyong’o reflected on the pain he had witnessed along the Kisumu-Kericho and Kisumu-Nandi borders, stating that it is time for Kenya to justly and definitively resolve all its internal border disputes.
He emphasized that a cohesive nation cannot be built on a foundation of ambiguous boundaries that can be exploited for political gain. Resolving these issues, he argued, is critical for promoting peaceful coexistence and unlocking the development potential of border communities.
Governor Nyong’o stressed the importance of meaningfully including young people in the national dialogue. He stated that youth are not just inheritors of peace or conflict, but “essential partners” in shaping a more just and stable society. Their energy, innovation, and “impatience with old grievances” are the very assets needed to break cycles of violence and build a strong future for Kenya.
