The Sing and Unite, February 28 initiative will see representatives of the various sectors in Kenyan society stand together to promote peace in the upcoming elections.
“On the 28th of February 2012 Kenyans will demonstrate that there is more that unites us than divides us. 1pm, 1 nation, 1 people, 1 anthem, united in 1 prayer for 1 Kenya,” the February 28 initiative website reads.
“The staff will come together to sing the national anthem together and have a prayer for peace as a team. This is part of sensitizing ourselves as a member of the wider Kenyan community about the fact that we are all one Kenya during this election period,” said Paul Kukubo, chief executive officer of the Kenya ICT Board.
Efforts to promote peace are being ramped up as the elections approach, with the polls being the first since the 2007 vote which saw widespread ethnic violence as supporters of opposing candidates clashed.
Information and mobile technology has played a particularly significant role in the campaigning and election process this time around. Presidential debates have been televised for the first time in Kenya, while candidates and non-governmental organisations have created online portals to communicate with and inform voters.
Transmission of regional votes will happen via a Safaricom secure network, while mobile developers have been getting on board by creating a range of apps to raise awareness.
“As far as the wider election process is concerned, we are all part of the wider government efforts towards ensuring a smooth election and transition to the new constitutional implementation. Our efforts have involved working with the private sector on county systems,” added Kukubo.
