Dialogue and partnership were at the heart of a community-security engagement workshop held in Isiolo County, where diverse stakeholders gathered to explore collaborative approaches to building safer and more resilient communities.
The forum, convened by Action Life Kenya in partnership with Valar Frontier, brought together representatives from the Kenya Defence Forces, the U.S.
Military Civil Affairs team, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, county leadership, youth representatives, civil society organisations and community groups.
Participants engaged in open discussions on local security realities, trust-building, and prevention strategies, with emphasis placed on strengthening cooperation between communities and security institutions.
Unlike conventional formal meetings, the workshop created space for practical conversations on how collaboration can be improved at the grassroots level.
Speakers and participants highlighted that sustainable security cannot rely solely on institutions but must involve active participation from communities, particularly youth and women who are often closest to emerging risks.
Interactive dialogue sessions allowed community members and security actors to share experiences and reflect on successful collaborations while identifying areas that require improvement.
Participants noted that trust is built through consistent engagement, respectful interaction and visible action on community concerns.
The workshop also featured a community product exhibition showcasing locally produced goods, including honey and bee-based products, nyirinyiri and camel meat value-added products, as well as grocery and agribusiness items.
The displays illustrated how livelihood initiatives can contribute to peace and stability by creating economic opportunities and strengthening community resilience.
Security actors participated in informal discussions with community members, helping to build relationships and mutual understanding in ways that are rarely achieved in traditional settings.
Participants emphasised the need to sustain engagement beyond one-off events by strengthening communication channels, supporting community-led initiatives and maintaining effective feedback mechanisms.
Organisers said the Isiolo engagement demonstrated the value of dialogue and partnership in addressing local challenges, noting that continued collaboration between communities and institutions is essential for building lasting peace and resilience.