GPF Kenya with Ms. Charity Maina of Sofy Global
The Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Kenya values youth as today’s peacebuilders and tomorrow’s leaders. The organization sponsored a variety of youth-oriented activities during the month of January 2026, focusing on the essential role of young people as environmental stewards, the unifying power of competitive sports, and the importance of transformative education rooted in shared values and inclusion. These events underscored the collective power of young people to foster peaceful coexistence and social cohesion.
On January 19, GPF Kenya and the Chandaria Foundation partnered to honor Truphena Muthoni, a young Kenyan woman who holds the world record of 72 hours for continuous tree hugging. Acknowledging Ms. Muthoni’s contribution to youth leadership and commitment to environmental stewardship, the Chandaria Foundation awarded her a 100,000-capacity tree nursery to be established at a school of her choice. The award supports the Chandaria Tree Nursery Initiative, aligned with Kenya’s national goal of growing 1.5 billion trees by 2032, and positions Ms. Muthonia as a Climate Champion under the President’s Fellowship – Chandaria Legacy Award Initiative.
Further, GPF Kenya and the Chandaria Foundation are making steady progress in their launch of the 19th Chandaria Tree Nursery at Matuga Girls High School prior to the official launch. GPF Kenya acknowledges the significant work of the Chadaria Foundation, school leadership, and the young women who have gained practical skills in conservation, leadership, and long-term climate resilience in progressing this environmental sustainability initiative.
Students at the Anatolia International School Cultural Event
GPF Kenya African Regional Representative Daniel Juma Omondi joined national leaders on KBC’s Good Morning Kenya on January 21 to highlight the essential role of youth in fostering peace and social cohesion in their communities. The live discussion focused on sports as a key activity to bridge differences among young people, creating a collaborative environment where dialogue, shared values, and collective responsibility enable them to dismantle longstanding social barriers to bring about transformative change and long-term stability.
Additionally, on January 23, Mr. Omondi was a guest of honor at the Anatolia International School Cultural event to commemorate the International Day of Education, where he joined Professor Macharia Munene (USIS-A) and Mr. Arden (Harmony Institute) to celebrate cultural diversity, inclusivity, youth leadership, and shared values. During his keynote address, Mr. Omondi highlighted GPF’s Transformative Education Initiative, advocating for education systems that nurture the “whole student” with a focus on character, leadership, life skills, and the use of digital technology to prepare for the modern economy. Commending the Anatolia International School for their holistic approach to education, converging culture, and peacebuilding, he emphasized equal access to education for women and girls as a necessary component to achieve sustainable peace.
GPF’s Africa Regional Representative, Mr. Daniel Juma Omondi, speaking at the “Play for Peace” event
Concluding the month of January, GPF Kenya participated in the East Africa Sports Diplomacy and “Play for Peace” Youth Tournament at Zetech University, Mang’u Campus from January 26 to 31. Highlighting the unifying power of sports, the event brought together diverse young people from across the continent to play football to create unity, cooperation, and sustainable peace. During the event, Mr. Omondi participated in a high-level panel titled “Peace Building: Youth as Ambassadors of Peace,” where he emphasized that genuine peace is rooted in “inclusion, justice, and dignity.” Emphasizing the role of sports in diplomacy, he urged the participants to carry forward into their everyday lives the shared values of teamwork, mutual respect, and ethical leadership gained from their participation in sports.
GPF Kenya is committed to empowering young people to become today’s peacebuilders and tomorrow’s moral and innovative leaders. The organization will continue collaborating with partners to create opportunities where the nation’s youth are supported in their drive to learn and grow in a collaborative and inclusive environment.
