Parents have urged the government to beef up security at primary and secondary schools straddling the Baringo–Elgeyo‑Marakwet border before classes resume on Monday, 28 April.
Led by Sara Korir of Korkoron Primary and Florence Soti, they said a new wave of bandit raids over the past fortnight has revived memories of last year’s deadly attacks and left children too frightened to return.
“We have heard gunfire three nights in a row,” Ms Korir told reporters. “Unless we see police tents on these playgrounds, our sons and daughters will stay home.”
“Teachers can’t teach when bullets are flying,” added Ms Soti. “Give us security first, then talk about learning.”
The Kerio Valley belt enjoyed a brief lull after a large multi‑agency operation late last year. However, livestock thefts and ambushes picked up again in early April.
On March 8, 2025, Deputy Inspector‑General Eliud Lagat toured Elgeyo‑Marakwet and acknowledged that “fresh deployments” were needed to keep classrooms open.
Last week, bandits killed a head teacher in Baringo South. They stole dozens of cattle just days after five villagers were shot dead in neighbouring Elgeyo‑Marakwet.
More than 50 schools across Baringo, Elgeyo‑Marakwet, Turkana and West Pokot were vandalised or deserted in 2024, forcing over 10,000 learners to sit national exams in displacement camps.
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“We’re not asking for miracles,” Korir insisted. “The officers are already in the valley — just camp them at the gates.”
County Directors of Education in both counties assured that they have forwarded the parents’ demands to Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Abdi Hassan, who is expected to visit the region soon.
Elgeyo‑Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich said his administration would provide fuel and food rations for National Police Reserve (NPR) detachments.
With reopening day only four days away, parents like Florence Soti remain wary: “Our children carry pencils; the bandits carry guns. We hope the State chooses pencils this term.”
To end the problem, the parents proposed, among other things, permanent police posts within a one‑kilometre radius of every affected school, Rapid‑response units, and safe boarding centres for Grade 9 and Form 4 candidates who face national exams in October.
By Kimutai Langat
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