North Rift to engage leaders on the Internet

By DEDAN OKANGA

Two top social networking sites are the new tools that residents of the North Rift will use to enforce democratic governance.

International Development Resource Centre (IDRC), a Canadian institution, and Africa Peace Forum launched the project, which will use information communication tools for an interactive pro-reform forum in the region.

Facebook, twitter, YouTube and mobile phones will provide a platform to serve an interactive website for communities dialogue in the region.

"During the last post-election violence there were no links through which people could resolve disputes, and this initiative aims to become the communication bridge," said the Africa Peace Forum Project Co-ordinator Peter Muthoga.

The contributions of residents will be sent by use of a four-digit code, followed by Africa Peace Forum to collate the aggregate views on Agenda Four issues.

"All issues that affect wananchi shall be discussed at the website so that everyone feels part of the reform process," added Muthoga.

key issues

　

Minority rights, land issues, and devolution are some of the issues expected to dominate the website forum. There are similar projects in Isiolo and Eldoret.

Kisumu is expected to benefit from the project in its next phase.

Mr Kipchumba Murkomen, a senior lecturer of Law at Moi University was among the keynote speakers at the launch of the initiative title, Strengthening Democratic Governance Through ICTs.