The first-ever Kericho Peace Festival, held on 15th and 16th August at the Kericho Green Stadium, brought together hundreds of children, families, faith leaders, and civic representatives in a colourful celebration of peace, forgiveness, and cultural pride.
Over the two-day event, primary school pupils and Sunday school children captivated the audience with songs, poems, skits, and dances carrying powerful messages of honesty, compassion, and responsibility. Their performances underscored the festival’s central theme: peace begins with the everyday choices children make.
One young participant summed up the spirit of the festival, saying, “When we learn about peace, it helps us be kind to our friends. If children forgive each other, the whole world can be a happier place.”
The festival highlighted the rich traditions of the Kipsigis community, featuring cultural exhibitions, music, and dance to showcase the role of heritage in fostering moral values and social cohesion. The event also marked the 100th anniversary of Kericho Wagon Works and honoured the memory of Saint Puran Singh Ji, celebrated for his lifelong service to humanity.
Several prominent leaders attended the event, praising the focus on values education and community unity:
- H.E. Dr. Erick K. Mutai, Governor of Kericho County, emphasised the importance of nurturing the next generation, stating:
“Our children are the future of this county and this country. By teaching them peace, forgiveness, and respect for one another, we are laying the foundation for a just, united, and prosperous Kenya.” - Hon. Aaron Cheruiyot, Senator for Kericho County and Senate Majority Leader, highlighted the role of forgiveness in nation-building, calling on Kenyans to strengthen bonds of unity.
- Mr. Julius Ngoneshi, County Director of Education, commended the children’s creativity, saying, “True education must always carry a moral dimension.”
At the heart of the festival was Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh Ji OBE KSG, Chairman of the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ), a global faith leader known for his work in interfaith harmony and peace-building.
Reflecting on the festival, Bhai Sahib Ji said:
“Peace is not just the absence of conflict. It begins in the heart of every child, within every family, and in every community. When children learn the power of forgiveness and reconciliation, they carry these values into society, shaping a more compassionate future.”
During the festival, the Peace Charter was also launched under Bhai Sahib Ji’s leadership, underscoring the principle that peace is a sacred duty and reconciliation is essential for lasting harmony.
The event’s success was made possible by the Nishkam volunteers in Kenya, whose dedication spanned months of planning, rehearsals, cultural displays, and logistics. Beyond the festival, these volunteers have long supported Kericho through initiatives such as school uniforms, meals, classrooms, scholarships, and moral education, leaving a lasting impact on the community.
As the festival concluded, Bhai Sahib Ji left participants with a powerful reminder:
“If we sow peace in our children today, we will reap peace in the world tomorrow.”
The Kericho Peace Festival has set the stage for an annual celebration, uniting communities through culture, values, and the promise of a peaceful future.
