Loss of livestock to bandits is creating a serious crisis in Saimosoi, Baringo County, as most of the children who sat the 2023 KCPE might not get the money needed to join Form 1 next year having lost their only source of livelihood.
The possibility of missing out is real since families have not returned home, still in fear of the terror the bandits visited on them.
Dorcas Jerop, a parent, says they fear returning home since insecurity has persisted in the area despite police patrols.
“As you can see, we are in the bush and we fear going back home. As schools reopen in January, our children might not join Form 1 due to lack of fees,” said Jerop.
Speaking to the press, she noted that many locals did not plant crops and have been relying on relief for survival.
Jerop now wants their children given priority in the allocation of bursaries and scholarships, noting that the prolonged drought has worsened the situation.
“Here, we rely on crops and livestock to educate our children but we did not plant this year. We have also lost our livestock to bandits who usually walk freely in the villages. Our prayer is that our children be given priority during bursary and scholarship awards,” added Jerop.
Clerics from the region led by Reverend Samuel Kamuren of the Baringo ACK Diocese appealed for urgent intervention of elected leaders, noting that locals suffer a lot.
Tiaty, Baringo North and Baringo South are the hardest hit by insecurity, with the government promising to address the problem.
By Evans Langat
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