Schools that were affected by insecurity in troubled areas of West Pokot County are set to reopen in January, governor Simon Kachapin has confirmed.
A total of 7 schools were shut after they were vandalized by bandits, plus several others which were affected by insecurity along the borders two years ago.
The schools are Cheptulel Boys and Girls, Samplomoi, Cheratek, Kases, Apollo and Takaiywa Primary.
Others that were partially affected and to be supported to resume normalcy are Kissa, Ptoh, Kases, Takaywa, Lonyanyalem, and Pough Primary schools.
This comes as leaders are rooting for peace and reconciliation among warring neighbours through dialogue and intermarriages as a way of cementing peace and minimizing conflict.
Speaking at Lomut Catholic Church in West Pokot County yesterday, the leaders were unanimous that for education to thrive, peace must be established between the communities living in the Kerio Valley.
Governor Kachapin called for peaceful coexistence to improve education.
“We are collaborating with the national government to make sure the affected schools reopen,” he said.
The county boss faulted security officers for taking sides based on where they work and stay.
President William Ruto’s aide Faruki Kibet condemned the rampant killings happening in the region, proposing that the neighbouring communities should intermarry to stave off conflict.
He raised concerns over a section of leaders engaging in political brinkmanship and fuelling animosity by arming youth.
‘It is wrong for someone to procure guns. We have security agencies, yet some leaders buy illegal guns and give it to locals. They should be arrested,” he said.
Senate Majority leader Harun Cheruyoit called for unity through dialogue for peace to prevail in the region.
“We must end banditry in this region. We need to use all strategies and cooperate around all ideas for peace to prevail,” he said.
National Assembly Majority leader Kimani Ichungw’a supported the intermarriage idea, saying it will promote peace in the region.
By Evans Kapusia
Get more stories from our website: Education News
To write to us or offer feedback, you can reach us at: editor@educationnews.co.ke
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
