Nairobi – Kenya will host a major international summit in December, bringing the world’s attention to a growing crisis how to keep schools safe during war and conflict.
The 5th International Conference on the Safe Schools Declaration (SSD), a global political initiative to protect education in times of armed violence, will take place in Nairobi. It will be co-hosted by the Kenyan and Norwegian governments.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed the development on Thursday following talks with senior Norwegian officials. “Kenya and Norway are working together in preparation for the conference,” he said. “It will strengthen the close and collaborative relationship between Nairobi and Oslo.”
The gathering marks the second time Africa will host the SSD conference, following Nigeria’s turn in 2019. It is expected to draw policymakers, diplomats, humanitarian organisations, and education advocates from around the world.
Why schools are under threat
The Safe Schools Declaration, launched in 2015, is a voluntary commitment made by governments to shield students, teachers, and schools from the impacts of war. It urges countries to avoid using schools for military purposes and to ensure accountability when education facilities are attacked.
Globally, education is increasingly in the crosshairs. According to the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA), more than 5,000 schools were damaged or destroyed in conflict zones between 2020 and 2022 alone.
Kenya has not been immune. Though the country has largely avoided armed conflict within its borders, it has faced threats from extremist groups like al-Shabaab, particularly in regions near its border with Somalia.
Speaking in Geneva at the UN’s Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2025), Mr Murkomen stressed the urgency of safeguarding education. “Protecting learning spaces is not just a humanitarian priority it’s a cornerstone of peace and stability,” he said.
A broader agenda: disaster and displacement
While in Geneva, Mr Murkomen also met with officials involved in disaster risk and displacement, including Professor Walter Kälin, Kenya’s envoy for the Platform on Disaster Displacement (PDD). Kenya currently chairs the PDD, a state-led body tasked with protecting people forced to move due to climate change and natural disasters.
“Kenya is honoured to lead this vital initiative,” said Mr Murkomen. “We are committed to supporting people displaced by climate events both within and beyond our borders.”
The PDD builds on the Nansen Initiative, which aims to provide international protection for people displaced across borders by environmental disasters. More than 100 countries have backed its agenda.
The Cabinet Secretary also held bilateral talks with Dr Pramod Kumar Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Indian Prime Minister. Their conversation focused on disaster risk reduction and training partnerships, as well as deepening economic ties.
“We look forward to strengthening cooperation in disaster response, training and technology exchange,” Mr Murkomen said.
Building for resilience
The Geneva conference, hosted by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), placed heavy emphasis on preparing countries for future shocks. Mr Murkomen joined Zambian Vice President Mutale Nalumango in urging African nations to invest more in disaster-resilient infrastructure.
“Resilient infrastructure must be a central pillar in our pursuit of sustainable development,” said the CS. He cited public-private partnerships (PPPs) as a key strategy to bolster roads, buildings, and essential services against future climate and conflict-related threats.
Kenya’s achievements under the Sendai Framework, including strengthening of institutional capacities and disaster response systems, were also highlighted.
Ambassador Dr Fancy Too, Kenya’s permanent representative to the UN in Geneva, led the delegation alongside Mr Murkomen. Both officials say Kenya’s leadership in hosting the SSD summit reflects its growing global role in peace-building, climate action, and education protection.
As the December conference nears, officials hope it will not only reaffirm global commitments but inspire new ones.
