Residents of Sosian Ward in Laikipia County have welcomed the rehabilitation of schools that had been adversely affected by banditry, saying the move has revived hope for learners and restored confidence in education in the area.
Rehabilitation in Sosian Ward, Laikipia County
Speaking during an inspection tour of the newly renovated Marura Narok Comprehensive School, residents lauded national and local leaders for restoring learning infrastructure and improving security.
Led by Mary Siteti and Florence Naisoi, the residents commended Sarah Korere for lobbying for the rehabilitation programme and facilitating electricity connectivity in Sosian Ward.
“We are grateful to our leaders for standing with us during difficult times. The rehabilitation of our schools and connection to electricity has given our children a fresh start,” said Siteti.
Naisoi added that access to electricity had transformed livelihoods in the area. “Small businesses are now operating longer hours, our children can study at night, and the overall learning environment has greatly improved,” she said.
Residents of Sosian Ward in Laikipia County have welcomed the rehabilitation of schools that had been adversely affected by banditry, saying the move has revived hope for learners and restored confidence in education in the area.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the newly renovated Marura Narok Comprehensive School, residents lauded national and local leaders for restoring learning infrastructure and improving security through the ongoing rehabilitation programme.
Led by Mary Siteti and Florence Naisoi, the residents commended Sarah Korere for lobbying for the rehabilitation initiative and facilitating electricity connectivity in Sosian Ward.
“We are grateful to our leaders for standing with us during difficult times. The rehabilitation of our schools and connection to electricity has given our children a fresh start,” said Siteti.
Naisoi added that access to electricity had transformed livelihoods in the area. “Small businesses are now operating longer hours, our children can study at night, and the overall learning environment has greatly improved,” she said.
However, the residents appealed for the establishment of a boarding school to cater for children from pastoralist families who frequently migrate in search of pasture.
“Our children’s education is disrupted whenever we move with our livestock. A boarding school would ensure continuity in learning and improve performance and retention,” Naisoi noted.
Laikipia West Deputy County Commissioner David Bowen confirmed that the transition to Grade 10 under the Competency-Based Curriculum had been successfully implemented in the area following the school rehabilitation efforts.
“The rollout of Grade 10 has been smooth, and we will continue working closely with all stakeholders to transform attitudes towards education and boost enrolment,” Bowen said.
Leaders Support Development in Sosian Ward Laikipia County
The event took a political tone, with leaders affiliated with the United Democratic Alliance expressing support for President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.
Korere defended pastoralists’ right to graze livestock on government land during drought, describing them as the region’s custodians.
“Our pastoralists have always lived on and protected this land. During drought, they should not be criminalised for seeking pasture on government land,” she said, reaffirming her commitment to expanding school rehabilitation and improving access to essential services.
Mwangi Kiunjuri called for peace and cohesion among communities, saying unity would strengthen the region’s voice in lobbying for national development resources.
“When we speak in one voice, we are better placed to attract roads, schools and other critical infrastructure,” Kiunjuri said.
Laikipia Woman Representative Jane Kagiri said leaders from the region would continue working with the government to secure development projects tied to infrastructure and rehabilitation.
“We have chosen to work with the government of the day to ensure our people benefit from development instead of engaging in divisive politics,” Kagiri said.
The leaders reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening education infrastructure and accelerating socio-economic development across the county.
The inspection tour was presided over by Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru, who attended as the chief guest. The school was refurbished by the Kenya Defence Forces following a directive from President Ruto to rehabilitate institutions disrupted by insecurity.
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Mariru said the school had been in a deplorable condition before the facelift, which included fresh painting, installation of new flooring, fitting of window panes and provision of water tanks to serve both the primary and junior secondary sections.
“With security restored, it is important that our children return to safe and conducive learning environments. Education remains a key pillar of development,” Mariru said.
He added that more schools in Laikipia East and North would soon undergo similar rehabilitation as part of broader efforts to normalise learning in areas that experienced closures due to bandit attacks.
Mariru also disclosed plans to renovate Nanyuki Stadium to enhance sports development in the county.
By Kimutai Langat
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