When Lamu County in Kenya was awarded the 2026 UCLG Peace Prize during the UCLG World Congress in Tangier, Morocco, the international recognition went to more than a single project. It highlighted how local governments can build lasting peace in communities facing complex challenges ranging from climate change to forced displacement. As one of the founding partners supporting the UCLG Peace Prize, the City of The Hague is proud to help showcase these local peace initiatives to the world.
Lamu County received the award for its 'Breaking the Wall of Peace Fragility in Disaster Zones' initiative, selected from five international finalists. The jury praised the county's integrated approach to peacebuilding, which combines climate resilience, conflict prevention and inclusive local governance.
Three elements particularly distinguished Lamu's approach.
- First, the county introduced integrated early warning systems that monitor both climate-related and social risks, allowing local authorities to anticipate tensions before they escalate.
- Second, Lamu established structured dialogue and mediation platforms, bringing together communities, authorities and local leaders to resolve grievances through dialogue rather than conflict.
- Third, the county invests heavily in livelihood programmes for young people, creating educational and economic opportunities that encourage positive life choices and reduce the risk of violent extremism or criminal recruitment.
"As the International City of Peace and Justice, The Hague believes that lasting peace begins at the local level. Cities and regions are often the first to prevent tensions, bring communities together and build resilience. Through our support for the UCLG Peace Prize, the promotion of The Hague Charter on Municipal Peace and collaboration with partners worldwide, we want to encourage and recognise local governments that turn peacebuilding into everyday practice."
Jan van Zanen, Mayor of The Hague
Peacebuilding as a core governance function
What makes Lamu's model particularly noteworthy is that peacebuilding is no longer treated as a temporary project. Through its Peacebuilding and Conflict Management Policy and subsequent legislation adopted in 2022, Lamu became the first county in Kenya to embed peacebuilding and conflict prevention as a permanent function of local government. Rather than responding only after conflict occurs, the county now places peace at the centre of everyday governance.
This approach is especially significant given Lamu's location. Situated along Kenya's border with Somalia, the county has long faced security challenges associated with a porous international border, refugee movements, violent extremism and climate-related pressures affecting livelihoods. Instead of relying solely on security measures, Lamu has worked to strengthen cooperation between communities, neighbouring regions, including Jubaland in Somalia, and government institutions to create long-term stability.
A changing image
Known for its UNESCO-listed Old Town and Swahili heritage, Lamu has increasingly become one of East Africa's most attractive tourist destinations. While security concerns have historically affected parts of Kenya's coast, sustained investments in peacebuilding and community resilience have helped strengthen confidence in the county. Today, visitors are increasingly drawn not only by Lamu's cultural heritage and coastline, but also by the stability that local leaders have worked to build over many years.
Why The Hague supports the UCLG Peace Prize
As the International City of Peace and Justice, The Hague believes peace is not built only in international courts and tribunals, but also in towns, cities and regions where local governments address the causes of conflict before they escalate.
The UCLG Peace Prize recognises these local efforts and encourages municipalities worldwide to learn from one another. The award is made possible through the support of the Diputació de Barcelona, the City of The Hague, VNG International, United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) and the Open Society Foundations. Together, these partners help promote practical examples of local peacebuilding that can inspire communities across the globe.
For The Hague, supporting the UCLG Peace Prize reflects a broader commitment: helping local governments demonstrate that peace is not an abstract ideal, but something that can be built through practical policies, inclusive governance and community leadership.
Future investments
Nigeria and TanzaniaAccording to Lamu County officials, international recognition has also strengthened investor confidence. Since being recognised as a peace hub and winning the UCLG Peace Prize, the county says it has attracted interest from investors in Nigeria and Tanzania. County leaders see the growing investment interest as a sign that sustained peace, good governance and improving security are making Lamu an increasingly attractive place to invest.
“Peace creates opportunity. Stability attracts investment. Together, they build a prosperous future for Lamu and Kenya.”
Shee Kupi Shee, director peace building