Challenges Faced by Damietta Peace Initiative as an Interreligious Dialogue for Peacebuilding in Nairobi, Kenya.

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.