- Residents in Kerio Valley have demanded lasting security solutions after prolonged banditry and cattle rustling forced the closure of more than 50 schools across six counties.
- The residents have raised concerns over teachers fleeing insecure areas and children losing learning time due to persistent attacks.
- Residents have called for investigations into alleged official involvement in arming criminals, even as President William Ruto has directed the reopening of closed schools and resettlement of affected communities.
For thousands of children living along the Kerio Valley belt, going to school has increasingly become a matter of security. Residents say children are paying the highest price for insecurity that has persisted in the region for years. “We are watching our children lose valuable learning time because of insecurity. Education is their right, and that right must be protected,” said Evelyn Chepoche, one of the residents leading calls for urgent action.
Teachers have also been forced to flee some areas following attacks and threats, leaving schools without adequate staff. Eunice Chepkong said the situation had become particularly difficult for teachers from outside the region who are posted to insecurity-prone areas. “Some teachers have left because they fear for their lives. You cannot expect a teacher to remain in a place where their safety is not guaranteed,” she said.
According to residents, several schools have been closed after attacks, while others have suffered vandalism and destruction. Institutions such as Tot Primary and Secondary schools have previously been affected by attacks, further disrupting education in the region. Residents say ongoing security operations have not fully restored their sense of safety. “Security operations are taking place, but criminals are still finding ways to terrorise people. We need a solution that will give us lasting peace,” Chepoche said.
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The residents are also demanding investigations into allegations of official involvement in criminal activities. They claim that some firearms used in attacks are allegedly owned by security officers and want authorities to establish how such weapons end up in the hands of criminals. “If there are government officers involved in crime, they must be investigated and prosecuted. The law should apply to everyone,” Chepkong said.
The latest incident occurred in Lokwar, Turkana South, where three people were killed earlier in the day, and an unknown number of livestock were stolen. The attacks have also affected livelihoods, with families losing livestock and communities living under constant fear. Teacher unions, including KNUT and KUPPET, have repeatedly raised concerns over the safety of educators in areas affected by banditry and cattle rustling.
The government has responded by deploying security agencies, including the Kenya Defence Forces, and undertaking rehabilitation of schools damaged during attacks. President William Ruto and security officials have also directed that schools which remain closed be reopened and affected communities resettled. But residents insist that rebuilding classrooms alone will not solve the problem. “A repaired classroom is useless if children and teachers are still afraid to go there. Security must come first,” Chepoche said.
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The residents are now calling on the government to intensify security operations, investigate alleged facilitators of crime and create conditions that will allow children to return to school safely. “We want our children back in class, our teachers back in schools and our communities to live without fear,” Chepkong said.
Persistent banditry and cattle rustling have forced the closure of more than 50 schools, destroyed school property and disrupted learning across parts of Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu and Laikipia counties.
By Kimutai Langat
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