By Kipilat Kapusya
Despite the tension over the security operation going on in the strife-torn areas of Kerio Valley region, the education sector got a major boost after security was beefed up and infrastructure put up in several schools by the Government along the West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet border.
A few years ago, Kamelei Peace Border School in Tapach area used to be frequently attacked by bandits but things have now changed as the school has so far enrolled many learners from both warring communities of Pokot and Marakwet after relative peace was witnessed in the area.
The school which is now a symbol of unity in the region has become a success story as learners in the region are now experiencing a new wave of peaceful interaction from residents who decided to bury their differences and stopped cattle rustling and banditry activities.
“In a bid to foster peace and shun illiteracy among warring neighboring communities, the school has brought a permanent solution. We are uniting the next generation through integrated education in this volatile area,” said the school Head teacher Solomon Kiplagat.
Speaking during the launch of a Ksh 5 million ultra-modern dining hall funded by the government, Mr Kiplagat explained that it’s only through education that banditry and cattle rustling menace will come to an end.
“The vices have been hindering us. We need to allow our children to integrate and embrace each other. We laud the Government for supporting the low cost boarding and providing relief food,” he said.
He noted that a large number of learners who were affected by insecurity have got a chance to access free primary and secondary education.
“We anticipate the numbers of students to rise. Last year, we had a mean score of 306.49. Also our junior secondary section has 105 learners and 50 more are expected to join soon,” Mr Kiplagat said.
In attendance were officials from the Ministry of Education in West Pokot County among other dignitaries.
“The population of Kamelei secondary has grown. In 2019 it had 562 learners, in 2020 it had 695 while in 2021 it had 715. In 2022 it had 930 and this year it has 1000. Learners here have boarding facilities but the place is chilly. We don’t want them to get pneumonia as they eat from outside,” said Pokot South Education Director Charles Kitur.
The area Assistant County Commissioner Ibrahim Masiege Mokeye said that security has been beefed up in the region and reiterated that education was the only permanent solution to insecurity in the area.
“In 2016, this area was a no-go zone. We 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 in the forest won’t reach here,” he said.
