The Tumaini Initiative, also known as the Nairobi Peace Talks, has become a beacon of hope and optimism. Currently, it is on the brink of becoming a national consensus. Its proposed protocols, for example, have been embraced by the major parties involved, and soon they will become unanimous contents of negotiations.

The Tumaini Initiative, as the name suggests, derives its idiomatic expression from the Swahili socio-linguistic vocabulary, which means “hope”. This peace initiative has been named after this word simply because its prime object is to restore hope and confidence in South Sudanese ordinary citizens who have been fragmented by the ongoing civil war and intercommunal violent conflicts.

When President Salva Kiir Mayardit suggested to his Kenyan counterpart, President William Samoi Ruto, to host the South Sudanese peace initiative early this year, the primary aim of the initiative was to bring about lasting peace to South Sudanese ordinary citizens, by bringing together their political as well as military leaders, particularly those in the incumbent Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) and the holdout groups so that they find an amicable political solution to the ongoing political and military conflicts in the Republic of South Sudan. No sooner had parties assembled at the peace venue than they proclaimed the peace talks as the “Tumaini Initiative.”

However, since its inception in May 2024, the Tumaini Peace Initiative continues to host several political potholes. All these challenges emanate from parties involved in negotiations. For example, major parties that have expressed their dissatisfaction with the Tumaini Initiative cited numerous defaults in the peace process, ranging from security to sincerity, prompting some key partners of the R-ARCSS, specifically the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) to withdraw its participation. The unwillingness of some opposition groups such as the National Salvation Front of Gen. Thomas Cirilo to join, and the absence of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In-Opposition (SPLM-IO) Kitgwang Faction of Gen. Gatwech Dual among others still project a grave loophole to the Tumaini Initiative.

Also, the controversial National Security Bill recently passed by the Revitalized Transitional National Legislative Assembly (R-TNLA), and the proposed elections scheduled for December 2024, continue to instigate worries in some peace partners, especially within members of the holdout groups. Some of these issues are so critical. Hence, they threaten the very cornerstones of the ideals of confidence and trust-building among the major parties.

Nevertheless, although these contentions are shadowing the peace initiative, it can be maintained that the recently signed document by major parties titled, “Tumaini Consensus for Sustainable Peace in South Sudan: Protocols for Initializing” has conclusively designated a political consensus. It has articulated in sequence the contentious subjects that have been dominating the peace negotiations. As a result, one can optimally envisage the prospect of a peace agreement, especially when substantial political compromises are made and consensus atmospheres are reached by all parties.

The proposed protocols such as the Humanitarian Access and Support, Protocol on Permanent Ceasefire, Security Arrangements and Reforms as well as the Protocol on Communal Conflicts, Armed Civilians, and Land Disputes are complex in their very nature. Putting signatures jointly to address their root causes peacefully renders a promising future for the Tumaini Peace Initiative.

As we are approaching “Martyrs’ Day”, it is imperative that we uphold and carry a banner of peace, harmony, and nationalism as well as patriotism, love, and unity. The Tumaini Initiative in this respect is not merely a peace talk but a restoration of hope plundered by the anguish of war and poor governance. Since its inauguration in May 2024, the initiative has been rejuvenating confidence in South Sudanese ordinary citizens, making it a sacred dove on the altar of our republic.

Right now, all South Sudanese attentions are turned to Nairobi, Kenya, to see the progress of this peace deal. Its substance, which can be well understood in terms of time and space is yielding trust at a very high speed, and therefore, ought not to be injured by any party involved. It is a widely held belief that the logical conclusion of this peace initiative will revivify harmony and tranquility in the presently chaotic Republic of South Sudan.

Negotiating its proposed protocols in good faith will deliver not only a vibrant political roadmap for any future allocation of political power but also perpetual peace in the Republic of South Sudan. Although the implementation of all its provisions will later call for significant amounts of sincerity, political will, and patriotism, the Tumaini Peace Initiative should not be treated as a politicians-driven enterprise but as an embodiment of hope and optimism to all South Sudanese. BY AMAJU UBUR YALAMOI AYANI, Radio Tamazuj

The writer is a South Sudanese Master’s student of Political Science at the School of Social and Economic Studies, University of Juba. He specializes in International Relations and Diplomacy and can be reached via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

A trio of High Court judges in Nairobi said the lack of public participation in the formulation of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) makes it unconstitutional.

The new fund, aimed at providing comprehensive health coverage to Kenyans, would replace the conventional National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) SHIF had been scheduled for a rollout in October this year, ending the tenure of NHIF established in 1966.

Kenyans will continue leveraging the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) for medical services after the High Court in Nairobi ruled against the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). 

A trio of High Court judges declared on July 12 that SHIF, the new statutory health cover, was unconstitutional and was sanctioned without public participation.'

Therefore NHIF will be in force for the eligible members in the course of the case in court. "Pending the lifting of the Court orders and within the 45 day-stay order period, the NHIF services will continue to be availed to all paid up and eligible members.

The service continuation through NHIF's existing framework will ensure that there is no gap in health financing. We want to reassure you that all NHIF obligations will be honoured as per existing contracts with service providers and Fund members.

All preparatory activities necessary to ensure the success of SHA will continue to be undertaken in tandem with the efforts to ensure full compliance with the Court orders," said SHA. Read more: https://www.tuko.co.ke/kenya/556580-kenyans-continue-benefitting-nhif-cover-court-ruling-affecting-sha-operations/  Tuko

Colonel Bernard Markie Oluoch of the Kenya Air Force (KAF) was promoted to the rankof Brigadier and appointed Moi Air Base Commander. 

President William Ruto has promoted Colonel Bernard Markie Oluoch from the Kenya Air Force (KAF) to Brigadier and appointed him Moi Air Base Commander in the latest changes within the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) announced Wednesday.

Ruto also promoted KAF’s Colonel Eutychus Ndegwa Nyawira to Brigadier and named her Head of Training Support and Research at the National Defence College (NDC).

Major General Stephen James Mutuku was appointed Deputy Commandant of the NDC.

The changes affected all branches of the military — the Navy, Army, and Air Force.

“His Excellency Hon Dr. William Samoei Ruto, C.G.H, President of the Republic of Kenya, and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, pursuant to section 9 (2) (a) of the Kenya Defence Forces Act, has today, on the advice of the Defence Council chaired by Prime Cabinet Secretary and acting Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Defence Hon. Musalia Mudavadi, upheld the Council’s recommendations and made various promotions, postings, and appointments of Kenya Defence Forces Officers,” KDF announced.

Notable changes within the Kenya Navy include the promotion of Colonel Lazarus Patroba Wafula to Brigadier and his appointment as Base Commander of Kenya Navy Base – Manda, pomotion of Colonel Abraham Kipchirchir Biwott to the rtank of Brigadier and his appointment as Base Commander of Kenya Navy Base – Mtongwe, and that of Colonel Mohamed Shee Shemote as Brigadier and Base Commander of Kenya Navy Fleet.

In the Kenya Army, Ruto promoted Colonel Edward Morris Ondabu Nyamao to Brigadier and appointed him Chief of Compensation and Welfare (DHQ), while elevating Colonel Collins Otieno Mitoko to Brigadier and appointing him Chief of Personnel (HQ KA).

Other changes include the promotions and appointments of Brigadier Paul Kiplimo Koech (Chief of Training), Brigadier Clement Kimaiga Nyakundi (Deputy Managing Director Kenya Meat Commission), Brigadier Victor Ndegwa Mburu (Commander Combat Engineers Brigade), and Brigadier Salaash Kantai (Commander Military Intelligence Corps).

KDF said the Defence Council made other changes across the military following President Ruto’s consurrence. By Bruhan Makong, Capital News