By Kipilat Kapusia
Education stakeholders from the volatile Kerio Valley region have called upon the national government to beef up security in the region to enable thousands of learners resume schooling.
The insecurity in the region has negatively affected more than 20 schools in West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet counties with more than 5,000 learners and 500 teachers keeping off schools as a security measure.
West Pokot County commissioner Apollo Okello said many learners moved far away from schools as a result on insecurity.
Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) West Pokot branch Chairperson Joel Partich pleaded with the government to increase security personnel in the area to ensure teachers are safe
“The Ministry of Education should liaise with the Ministry of Interior to ensure learning goes on smoothly in these regions,” he said.
He called on elders from both communities to get an amicable solution to this perennial problem.
His sentiments were echoed by his counterpart from KNUT Turkana branch who urged all stakeholders to intervene and save the situation that is getting out of hand.
KNUT West Pokot branch Executive Secretary Martin Sembelo warned that if security in the areas is not beefed, the union will ask its members not to go to the areas.
Sembelo said that insecurity upsurge has caused panic among residents, school children and teachers in the area.
“We need at least two police officers in every school. We are afraid because without security no learning or development will take place in this area,” said Sembelo.
He noted that teachers from affected counties are now on the frontline of preaching peace because many people in the region have an appetite for education.
Joshua Powon, the head teacher of Chesegon Primary School, called on the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to intervene in the matter, revealing further that the population of teachers and learners in the region has drastically dropped due to rising insecurity.
“TSC should understand that we are in danger since it is hard for teachers to move from their homes to schools as a result of insecurity,” said Powon.
He urged TSC to employ and deploy teachers from the locality since those from other regions are afraid of the insecurity in the area.
Kostot Primary school teacher Vivian Chepengat said that they will be forced to quit the profession if quick action is not be taken.
“We better stay at home than die,” she said.
Ann Chebet, a pupil at Chesegon Primary, said that she has not gone to school because of fear of the bandits.
“My parents told me to stay at home till we are guaranteed of our safety.” She concluded.
