By Kipilat Kapusya
Far from the security operation along the strife-torn Kerio Valley, there is an interesting peaceful co-existence at a border school called Kamelei where Pokot and Marakwet children mix freely as they attend classes.
Incredible as it may sound, as the conflict rages, and as cattle raids abound, the children go about their learning peacefully, amicably.
Few years ago, Tapach area was the crossing for the bandits. It is now a symbol of unity and a success story as inter-ethnic schooling is promoted in the region.
At the moment, there are no boundaries among learners from the various warring communities.
The reigning peace has been a blessing, spreading from the children to adults. They have buried their differences and stopped cattle theft and banditry.
“In a bid to foster peace among warring communities, the school has brought a permanent solution to insecurity. We are uniting the next generation through integrated education in this volatile area,” said Kamelei head teacher Solomon Kiplagat.
Kiglagat explained that it’s only through education that banditry and cattle rustling will come to an end.
“The vices have been hindering us. We need to allow our children to integrate and embrace each other. In 2016 we heard many guns. Many security officers were killed. Right now there is a police camp here. We laud the government for supporting the low cost boarding and relief food,” said Kiplagat.
Last year, they had a mean score of 306.49. The Junior Secondary School (JSS) wing has 105 students and they expect 50 more to join soon.
Learners come from as far as Trans-Nzoia, Lodwar and Baringo.
When Ministry of Education (MoE) officials from West Pokot County visited to launch a Ksh5 million ultra-modern dining hall sponsored by the government, they were pleasantly surprised to find an increased population.
“In 2019 it was 562, now it has reached 1000. The population of Kamelei secondary has also grown,” said Kitur, one of the officials.
Tapach Division Assistant County Commissioner Ibrahim Masiege Mokeye said that security has been beefed up in the region, observing that education was the only permanent solution to insecurity.
“In 2016, this area was a no go zone. We now have the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) at Kamelei and the General Service Unit (GSU) in Marakwet .The security team is very swift in responding to incidents. Those bandits hiding the forest won’t reach here,” he said.
He said they are on high alert to spot asylum seekers from areas where security operations are taking place as they will reverse the gains they had already made.
“We have told our chiefs that they should not allow any guest here right now. That can lead to attacks,” he said.
