Run for Peace Kenya Marathon launches 47 Days of Peace

The Universities and College Students` Peace Association of Kenya (UCSPAK) has officially flagged the Run for Peace Kenya Marathon, an initiative that aims to unite students and stakeholders collectively to promote peace, security and cohesion in institutions of higher learning and beyond.

UCSPAK was established in the aftermath of the tragic Garissa University terrorist attack of April 2, 2015, that had prompted urgent queries about the security of learning institutions and was therefore mandated to advocate for peace, unity and responsible governance within institutions of higher learning.  

The launch of the Run for Peace Kenya comes just in time as the country commemorates ten years since that harrowing attack that was meted out on innocent students in the early dawn attack of that fateful day.

Speaking at the launch of the run, the CEO of UCSPAK, Alan Chacha, who served as the President of Mount Kenya University at the time of the attack, lauded the association, terming it as a game changer in the way student leaders are perceived in the country and the role that students can and have performed in fostering peace in the country.

"Since 2015, the number of strikes in learning institutions has reduced, including the many issues that affected institutions of higher learning, and what I can say is that there has been a very big impact that UCSPAK has created and the 47 days of peace that we are launching today, is to tell the public.

“To tell the world that student leaders are peace ambassadors, student leaders can foster peace, and you will be able to see this in the 47 days of peace till April 6th, when we will have the final day. "

Backed by the State Department of Higher Learning and Research, the association prides itself in being a vital platform for promoting student safety, security and cohesion across the country, remaining steadfast in its mission to cultivate a culture of peace, dialogue and cooperation among students.

Having flagged off the run, the Secretary of the State Department of Higher Learning and Research, Dr Carol Hunja, affirmed the board`s commitment to ensuring that the lives of those who were lost are remembered and, therefore, the formation of the students` association.

"When it happened, we felt that it was necessary to form an association for peace that would help us not forget what happened and moving on, how can we ensure that peace is maintained and sustained in the country to ensure that we do not lose our comrades."

While welcoming the initiative`s inclusivity of students in its planning, the students` representative in the Run for Peace Kenya committee, Fridah Kemunto, lauded the association's efforts to foster peace among the students and even among the youth in the country.

The association has actively engaged students in peace-building initiatives, ensuring that campuses remain secure and conducive to learning and personal growth.

It is quite a great initiative to run for peace as champions of peace amongst the student bodies and among the youth in the country, and we`re very excited about the program; we have other fun activities that will run from 2 to 6th April, including skating, modelling that will also go on.

“We challenge all students to join the program to help foster peace among the youth."

Beyond being on the lookout for the Higher learning institutions' security, the body also serves as the bridge between key stakeholders, including the Government of Kenya and educational bodies, amplifying student voices, laying out their views and concerns and ensuring they are heard and addressed by the relevant authorities.

The Garissa attack was a shocker to the nation, as ten years on, the scars of that horrifying experience still feel fresh to many.

The UPCSAK, through its secretariat, is commemorating the grisly ordeal on the 2nd of April, which will see a memorial interdenominational prayer service.

The following is the lineup for the events that are scheduled;

Pre-Events (Runs from 14th February to 5th April 2025)

1. Pre-Run

Organize 47 pre-runs across 10 regions to sensitize the public to register for the upcoming Run for Peace Kenya on

2. Amani Gardens

Establish 47 Regional Amani Gardens in 10 Regions across the country. Each Garden will have 147 Fruit trees to

remember the 147 victims of the horrific Garissa University Terrorist Attack.

Lobby the 47 Governors to sign Peace Commitment Chatter.

4. Town Halls

Conduct 10 Town Halls in institutions of learning (one per region) to sensitize students on their role in Countering Violent

5. Media Talk Show & Online Engagement:

Hold a media talk show and panel discussion to sensitize the public to the role of students in peacebuilding 10 regions

Mobilize all UCSPAK Members to post 10th Peace Messages to

sensitize the public to the role of social media in peacebuilding and conflict management.

Hold Roadshow activations to sensitize the public to register and participate in the Run for Peace Kenya Marathon on the 6th of April 2025.

Hold Interdenominational Prayer Service on 2nd April to commemorate the 10th Garissa University Terrorist Attack

8. Beauty Pageant

Conduct Mr. and Miss Peace in 6 categories: Universities, TVETs, KMTC, TTC, High Schools, and Primary KICC Schools.

During the beauty pageant, we will also use other talents to promote peace, i.e. singing, spoken words, and drawing.

UCSPAK has called upon all students, academic institutions, government agencies, and development partners to collaborate in fostering peace and empowering young leaders to create a resilient and prosperous future for students in Kenya.

They also highlighted the funding problems but hope their rallying call to key stakeholders would be heeded to realise peace in institutions of higher learning and beyond.