In Kenya’s northern and northwestern counties, banditry has long disrupted lives, livelihoods, and schools. Turkana, Baringo, Samburu, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Laikipia have witnessed repeated cattle raids, intercommunal violence, and targeted attacks that force families to flee and close schools. The toll on education is profound: classrooms sit empty, teachers abandon posts, and children lose months, or even years, of learning.
Amid this insecurity, chiefs have emerged as vital defenders of both communities and schools. Embedded in the local fabric, they mediate conflicts, coordinate with security agencies, and act as first responders when danger strikes. In Baringo County, for instance, two chiefs intervened to rescue young boys abducted by bandits and coerced into cattle rustling. Their decisive action saved lives and underscored the pivotal role of local leadership in protecting the youth and preserving the continuity of education.
ALSO READ;
High School teacher fired for brutally punishing Form Two student
Recognizing the high stakes, the government has empowered chiefs further by authorizing them to carry firearms in areas most affected by banditry. When paired with rigorous training in firearms use, conflict resolution, community policing, and school security, this step strengthens chiefs’ ability to protect schools and respond immediately to threats. Most chiefs from Baragoi and Turkana, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated that this measure would be a significant step toward safeguarding schools and communities. They emphasized that in regions where insecurity has long disrupted education, this approach would allow them to act swiftly, deter bandit attacks, and restore confidence among parents, teachers, and students. According to them, the measure is not intended to escalate conflict but to protect learning environments and ensure children can attend school without fear.
Training is central to this strategy. Chiefs receive specialized instruction on early warning systems, conflict resolution, emergency response, and collaboration with law enforcement. Combined with community policing and the Nyumba Kumi initiative, which encourages residents to know and monitor their neighbors, this approach strengthens intelligence gathering, fosters vigilance, and creates a culture of collective responsibility. Armed and trained chiefs, working hand-in-hand with vigilant communities, act as proactive guardians of both security and education.
Counties should implement a uniformed scheme of service for all ECDE teachers
Community involvement is equally critical. Chiefs cannot safeguard schools alone; parents, teachers, and local leaders must participate actively. When communities collaborate, they form networks that deter banditry and enhance trust between residents and authorities. Local programs that combine education with cultural, sports, or social activities provide children with safe spaces to learn and play while fostering unity, resilience, and shared responsibility. By leveraging community policing and Nyumba Kumi, neighborhoods become extensions of the school’s security system, creating a protective environment that reinforces learning.
The results of this integrated approach are visible. Areas once paralyzed by insecurity now see students returning to classrooms, teachers engaging with renewed confidence, and communities gradually regaining stability. Chiefs, adequately trained and empowered, together with committed community members, have turned schools into sanctuaries of learning and hope.
Ultimately, moving from fear to safety requires courage, planning, and collaboration. By investing in local leadership, strengthening community policing, and promoting initiatives like Nyumba Kumi, Kenya demonstrates that even in the most challenging environments, education can thrive. Through vigilance, dedication, and strategic empowerment, schools can once again become places of safety, growth, and opportunity for every child.
By Hillary Muhalya
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
