Abstract:
The Damietta Peace Initiative, DPI is a platform meant to settle down interreligious conflicts. Due to
terrorism, the rivalry between Christians and Muslims (who are the majority of Kenyans) have gradually
increased. During terrorism incidences, it is alleged that non-Muslims are targeted and killed. Poor
interreligious interactions lead to a poor socio-economic environment and therefore less developments. The
DPI is meant to solve these interreligious conflicts by providing a platform for dialogue. The platform has
seen its popularity in Kenya grow; though quite slowly. The slow growth of DPI is a challenge to the socioeconomic environment of most metropolitans with people of diverse religions. This study aimed at analyzing
some of the major challenges affecting growth of DPI as an interreligious dialogue for peacebuilding in
Nairobi, Kenya. The possible solutions to the challenges were also evaluated. The study employed a mixed
method research approach was used integrating cross-sectional survey and phenomenological research
designs. Questionnaires and in-depth interview guide were used as research instruments. The findings
indicated that majority of organizations supported the initiative and would allow their members to
participate. The major challenges associated with slow growth of DPI included; lack of sufficient funds to
run Pan African Conciliate Teams (PACT) which were the major enablers of the program, fear from
attendees that they were being lured to convert into another religion, priority of economic activities to DPI
sessions and exclusive feelings of mistrust between religions. The research assessed that these were very
serious limitations and more input was required for DPI to succeed. The major solutions identified include;
allocation of more funds to run PACT and thus DPI sessions, more involvement of residents in PACT
committees and more government sensitization about DPI.
