Ceremony Programme
December 17, 2026 · August 7th Memorial Park, Nairobi · 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM EAT
December 17, 2026
A day of honour, remembrance, and celebration — from registration through to the closing address.
08:00 – 09:00
Arrival, Registration & Welcome Coffee
Guests arrive, register at the welcome desk, and enjoy coffee and light refreshments. Name badges and programmes distributed.
09:00 – 10:00
Pre-Ceremony Gathering & Exhibition
Networking session with exhibition stands showcasing peacebuilding initiatives from across 12 African countries. Meet the nominees and learn about their work.
10:00 – 10:15
Opening Ceremony
National Anthem. Welcome Address by Dr. James Nderitu, Executive Director of Peace League Africa. Opening remarks on the significance of the venue and the awards.
10:15 – 10:45
Keynote Address
H.E. Fatuma Mohamed, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Interior & Coordination — Kenya. A powerful address on the state of peacebuilding in Africa and the critical role of community-led initiatives.
10:45 – 11:30
Award Session 1: Peace Advocacy & Humanitarian Service
Presentation of awards recognising individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to peace advocacy, conflict resolution, and humanitarian service across Africa.
11:30 – 11:45
Cultural Interlude
A vibrant showcase of African music, dance, and spoken word — celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the communities we serve. Featuring artists from Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.
11:45 – 12:30
Award Session 2: Youth Leadership & Community Development
Honouring young leaders and community organisers who are driving change from the ground up. Categories include youth peace ambassadors, community development champions, and grassroots innovators.
12:30 – 13:30
Lunch Break & Networking
A catered lunch with opportunities to network with fellow peacebuilders, nominees, and distinguished guests. Dietary requirements accommodated (halal, vegetarian, gluten-free).
13:30 – 14:15
Award Session 3: Special Recognitions & Lifetime Achievement
The most anticipated session of the day. Special recognitions for extraordinary contributions, including the Lifetime Achievement Award honouring a peacebuilder whose work has transformed communities across generations.
14:15 – 14:45
Closing Remarks & Call to Action
A unifying address from Amb. Olusegun Akinlade, African Union Special Envoy for Conflict Resolution. A call to action for all attendees to continue building peace in their communities.
14:45 – 15:00
Group Photo & Media Interviews
All award winners, nominees, and distinguished guests gather for the official group photograph. Media interviews with winners. Event concludes.
Our Keynote Speakers
Esteemed leaders and peacebuilders who will address the gathering and present the awards.
Dr. James Nderitu
Opening Address
Executive Director, Peace League Africa. A leading voice in African peacebuilding with over 20 years of experience in conflict resolution across the Great Lakes region.
H.E. Fatuma Mohamed
Keynote Speaker
Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Interior & Coordination — Kenya. Champion of community policing and peace initiatives across Kenya's 47 counties.
Amb. Olusegun Akinlade
Closing Address
African Union Special Envoy for Conflict Resolution. Former Nigerian Ambassador to the UN, with decades of diplomatic experience in peace mediation.
Mama Esperance Mukamana
Special Guest
Founder, Women Peacebuilders Network — Rwanda. Survivor-led peacebuilding advocate. Recipient of the 2024 African Peace Prize for grassroots reconciliation work.
August 7th Memorial Park
A place of remembrance, resilience, and the enduring power of peace — chosen deliberately as the setting for this historic ceremony.
Location
Junction of Haile Selassie Avenue & Moi Avenue, Nairobi City Centre (next to Cooperative Bank)
Why This Venue
The August 7th Memorial Park stands on the site of the 1998 US Embassy bombing, a tragedy that claimed 218 lives. By hosting our awards here, we honour those lost while celebrating the peacebuilders who choose hope over hate, dialogue over division.
Park Features
The Memorial Wall with 218 names, indigenous Kenyan plants, the Yin-Yang fountain, the 'Mind, Body & Spirit' sculpture from original debris, and riverbed rock walkways — every element tells a story of resilience.
Ticket Tiers
Choose the experience that suits you. All proceeds support Peace League Africa's peacebuilding programs.
Early Bird
Early bird pricing for early supporters.
- Gala Dinner
- Event Programme
- Full Gala Access
100 tickets — all claimed
Standard Seat
Standard single seat at the gala.
- Gala Dinner
- Event Programme
- Full Gala Access
Premium Seat
Priority placement and exclusive networking.
- Gala Dinner
- Priority Seating
- VIP Lounge Access
- Networking Session
- Event Programme
100 remaining
Group discounts available for organizations sending 10+ delegates.
Contact us at awards@peaceleagueafrica.org for group bookings.
Celebrating Peace Across Africa
62 categories honouring the champions of peacebuilding, humanitarian service, youth leadership, and community development from 12 African countries.
Award Categories
Spanning peace advocacy, humanitarian service, youth leadership, community development, and special recognitions.
Countries Represented
Nominees and peacebuilders from across the continent, representing the diversity and unity of Africa's peace movement.
Gala Capacity
1,000 guests including peacebuilders, policymakers, civil society leaders, and distinguished dignitaries.
Dress Code
African formal / Business attire. Traditional regalia encouraged and celebrated. Let your attire reflect the beauty and diversity of African cultures.
Be Part of History
The Peace League Africa Awards Gala 2026 is more than a ceremony — it's a movement. Join us as we honour the women, men, and youth building peace across our continent.