Berkley Center

In summer 2010 Consuelo Amat conducted a series of interviews with religious and political actors in Kenya as part of an ongoing research initiative at the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs. The project seeks to achieve a deeper understanding of the peacebuilding efforts of such actors in post-conflict societies: in what activities are religious actors most involved? How does their engagement shape the formation and implementation of such endeavors? By addressing these questions, the interviews provide a valuable resource for teachers, students, and policy professionals seeking a deeper understanding of the contemporary nature and impact of religion on peacebuilding efforts in Kenya. The context of the interviews was a heated national debate on a constitutional referendum and efforts by peace and faith communities to prevent political violence during this sensitive time. Shortly after Amat's return to the United States, 78 percent of eligible Kenyans exercised their right to vote in a peaceful referendum and approved the proposed constitution.