Liban Guyo: Championing peace, healing and national cohesion through words and action

In a nation constantly seeking unity amidst diversity, few voices resonate with as much clarity, conviction and credibility as that of Liban Guyo.

A seasoned peacebuilding and governance expert, prolific writer and nationally respected thought leader, Guyo has carved a niche as one of Kenya’s most influential advocates for social cohesion, conflict transformation and reconciliation.

Currently serving as Director of Peacebuilding and Reconciliation at the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), he stands at the intersection of policy, practice and public discourse.

Born and raised in Sololo, Marsabit County, the 48-year-old father of four recalls that he once aspired to be a lawyer to defend his people against human rights abuses, or a journalist to highlight their plight.

“But the events of 10 April 2006, when Marsabit leaders led by the late Dr Bonaya Godana died in a plane crash in Saku Constituency, Marsabit County, while on a peace mission, influenced me to enter the world of peacebuilding,” he says from his office on the 17th floor of Britam Towers, Upper Hill, Nairobi.

“I wanted to unite the warring communities so that other leaders would not die in similar circumstances.”

Guyo’s resolve was further strengthened between 2018 and 2022, when Marsabit was engulfed in intercommunal conflict.

“The violence claimed more than 500 lives, displaced thousands, and left many destitute after widespread livestock raids. For me, these losses were not mere statistics—they were neighbours, friends and fellow citizens,” he says.

The experience reaffirmed his conviction that peacebuilding is not just a profession, but a personal mission.

“Conflict has been both a teacher and a motivator, transforming pain into purpose and tragedy into a lifelong commitment to building bridges where divisions once stood.”

Beyond his policy work, Guyo wields both the pen and the peace table with equal mastery. His published articles in leading dailies such as The Standard and Daily Nation consistently provide evidence-based, solutions-oriented perspectives.

In March 2024, his piece “Why it’s hard to end banditry and what State can do to win the war” offered incisive analysis of the cyclical violence in northern Kenya, urging a shift from reactive militarism to community-led conflict resolution. In July 2024, he wrote “Protests highlight urgent calls for governance reforms and economic strain”, capturing growing youth discontent and calling for inclusive reforms.

These are not mere commentaries but insights drawn from more than 15 years of hands-on experience in peacebuilding and governance across Kenya and the Horn of Africa.

A holder of a Master’s in Governance and Development from the University of Sussex and a BA in International Relations from USIU-Africa, Guyo combines academic rigour with practical expertise. His research on youth radicalisation, small arms proliferation, transitional justice and Kenya’s peace architecture has been published and presented at influential forums at home and abroad.

Notably, his policy brief on Kenya’s elections and reconciliation, published by the Institute of Justice and Reconciliation (South Africa), remains a reference point for stakeholders in post-conflict societies.

At NCIC, Guyo is more than an administrator—he is a strategist. He has overseen initiatives that have reduced ethnic tensions, enhanced understanding of diversity, and institutionalised peace mechanisms such as dialogue and community mediation.

Through flagship programmes like Election Bila Noma and Amani Kwa Ground, he has spearheaded sensitisation campaigns that turned election periods—often flashpoints for violence—into opportunities for peace. Under his leadership, more than 20 intercommunity peace agreements have been signed and over 5,000 peace champions trained nationwide.

He also played a pivotal role in establishing Kenya’s Conflict Early Warning and Early Response System, a regional mechanism that has helped avert the escalation of local disputes into national crises.

Guyo’s work has earned international recognition. He is an Australian Leadership Fellow, a Ford Foundation International Fellow, a Les Aspin Fellow in Good Governance, and has received leadership training from Friedrich Ebert Stiftung.

“These accolades reflect my enduring commitment to public service, integrity and inclusive development,” he notes.

As co-president of the African Alliance for Peace, he continues to influence peacebuilding beyond Kenya, nurturing networks of mediators and civic actors across the continent. Fluent in English, Kiswahili and Borana, he exemplifies the inclusivity he champions, building trust across divides and mobilising collective action for sustainable peace.

Today, Marsabit is an oasis of peace—thriving socially and economically, with reconciled communities no longer at war.

As the world marks the International Day of Peace today, voices like Liban Guyo’s remain vital in steering Kenya towards healing, inclusivity and enduring cohesion.