About us
Peace is built where people are empowered.
Wezesha Tulinde Amani (Empower to Sustain Peace) is a not-for-profit community based organisation (CBO) rooted in the Bukaya community, Emukhuwa area, Kakamega County.
We believe lasting peace is built when families and neighbours are economically able, emotionally well, culturally proud and connected to the institutions that serve them. Our work brings these threads together: peace-building, mental health awareness, livelihoods, support for vulnerable people, gender equality and care for the environment.
Our membership is open to people from Kakamega County who share our objectives, and we work in partnership with government, other CBOs, NGOs, institutions and individuals.
Vision
To have a community with social and economic strength coexisting peacefully.
Mission
To be a development community based organization that fosters peaceful coexistence.
Where we work
We work in the Bukaya community, Emukhuwa area, and surrounding areas of Kakamega County. We welcome contributions and support from across Kenya and from any willing supporter.
Leadership
Dr. Beldinah Kochwa Otieno
Coordinator, Wezesha Tulinde Amani
Dr. Beldinah Kochwa Otieno holds a PhD in Peace and Conflict Studies (Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology) and has led Wezesha Tulinde Amani as Coordinator since November 2023.
She is a Certified Professional Mediator and has handled more than sixty commercial, succession, land, children, civil and labour matters. Her public-service career includes serving as Chief Officer for Social Services, Youth and Sports and later for Public Service and Administration in the County Government of Kakamega, heading the Division of Youth Networks and Social Mobilization at the national Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and working in the Peace and Security Department of Kenya's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sudan and South Sudan.
She has trained and facilitated on gender, conflict-related sexual violence and peace-support operations, and has published research on youth-led peace-building and conflict in the Mumias sugar belt.
- PhD Peace & Conflict Studies
- Certified Professional Mediator (MTI)
- M.Ed Educational Administration
- Diploma in Counselling
How we are governed
We are run under a written constitution. An Executive Committee of a Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer, all fully paid-up members elected by the membership for three-year terms, leads the organisation. Each member has one vote; decisions are made by majority in properly notified meetings.
We hold an Annual General Meeting each year with at least fourteen days' notice, where the annual report, financial statement and budget are presented to the community. Our financial year runs from 1 January to 31 December, and funds are used solely to further our objectives.