Kenya: Iupui International Symposium - Call for papers

CALL FOR PAPERS
MOI UNIVERSITY - IUPUI INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM

THEME: TOWARDS KENYAN NATIONAL DIALOGUE, HEALING, AND RECONCILIATION:
REFORM ISSUES IN A MODERN AFRICAN STATE

WEDNESDAY-FRIDAY, 13-15 MAY 2009

HOST: MOI UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW, ELDORET, KENYA

With the onset of multi-party democracy in Kenya, three of the four general elections conducted have resulted in a web of violence of an unprecedented scale, each seemingly surpassing the other. Taking the dimension of inter-ethnic struggles, they have not only been notable for their brutality, but also for the widespread internal displacement of civilians and destruction of property never seen since the days of colonialism. The election held in December 2007 was the latest, and led to an unprecedented process of national reconciliation and dialogue.

The Kenya National Dialogue and Reconciliation team, chaired by the former UN Secretary General Kofi Anan and the Panel of Eminent African
Personalities, agreed, among other things that there were long-standing issues that required resolution for sustainable peace to endure. These were to be addressed under Agenda Item No. 4.

This agenda item noted that poverty, the inequitable distribution of resources and perceptions of historical injustices and exclusion on the part of segments of the Kenyan society constitute the underlying causes of the prevailing social tensions, instability and cycle of violence.

Discussions under this Agenda item would be conducted to examine and propose solutions for long standing issues, such as, inter alia, a) Underlying constitutional, legal and institutional reform, b) Tackling poverty and inequity, as well as combating regional development imbalances, c) Tackling unemployment, particularly among the youth, d) consolidating national cohesion and unity, e) undertaking land reform and f) addressing transparency, accountability and impunity. These items were to be resolved within a period of one year after commencement of the Dialogue.

This Symposium aims to build upon this explicit recognition by the parties that long-standing issues may continue to threaten the social fabric of a modern African state; Kenya in this matter. It aims to take a critical look at the long-standing issues and propose concrete solutions as a way forward towards a prosperous and stable Kenya. It will take stock of perspectives from the community, national and international levels. Incisive and well-researched works featuring local and international scholars will be presented, but considerable emphasis will also be placed on facilitating dialogue on issues of critical concern in Kenya, with participation encouraged by church, village and tribal elders, youth representatives, women’s groups, and so on.

We will also showcase successful and inspiring reconciliatory initiatives that are currently underway in Kenya within the framework of the symposium.

STRUCTURE
This symposium will feature keynote speakers and invited discussion papers by leading national and international scholars, as well as a diverse representation of members of the Kenyan community. There will be three plenary sessions, one per day of the Symposium, and numerous breakout sessions, whose structure will be disseminated upon receipt of abstracts and confirmation of attendances. There will also be a film series on reconciliation, sessions celebrating successful local reconciliation initiatives, and opportunities for networking by peace and reconciliation groups from eastern Africa.

SYMPOSIUM THEMES
Discussion themes include:
a) The Role of Institutions and Community Leadership in Enhancing National Reconciliation and Cohesion: Case Studies
b) Perceptions of Exclusionary Politics: Threats to Local Communities
c) Challenges of Distribution of Resources in Society:
d) Poverty, Ethnicity and Instability in Modern Societies
e) Historical Injustices, Conflicts and Development of States
f) Impunity, Accountability and Transparency in Modern States
g) Harmonization and Reconciliation. Highlighting successful initiatives at the local level, and comparative perspectives from around the world.

DESIRED OUTCOMES: WORKING TOWARDS RECONCILIATION
1.Release a communiqué and relevant policy papers to the government and relevant institutions on specific resolutions pertaining to reconciliation that arise from the proceedings.
2.Publication of scholarly journal articles related to the broad question of addressing historical grievances in the Moi University Law Journal, and also articles produced specifically for popular consumption i.e. in local dailies, student and church newspapers. .
3.With regards to ‘the troubles’, understanding what happened at the local, regional, national and international levels.
4.Building trust and creating a mutual symbiosis between government, institutions and communities to work together for a common future.
5.To situate institutions of higher learning as agents of reconciliation in Kenya.

SUBMISSION
Submission of paper abstracts are invited. To submit, send a 500-word abstract to [email][email protected] Please include your name, institutional affiliation and contact information. All entries submitted will be subject to a review by various members of the planning committee’s technical team.
The submission deadline for abstracts is March 23rd 2009 and notifications of acceptance will be issued out by March 31, 2009. All full papers are due by April 20, 2009.

SYMPOSIUM REGISTRATION FEES
East African Residents: Kshs. 5,000
Non East African Residents US$ 200
Students Kshs. 1,500

CONTACTS
For general inquiries, contact
The Dean, Moi University School of Law
Email: [email][email protected]
Tel. No: (+254) 053-8000637

For any specific inquiries, contact;
Mr. Vincent Kiplangat Mutai
Email: [email][email protected]
Tel No. (+254) 725-028599