Education stakeholders from schools located along the Kericho–Kisumu border are calling for enhanced security as schools prepare to reopen for the second term, following recent deadly clashes in the area.
The concerns come in the wake of skirmishes reported three weeks ago in the Koguta area, where at least three people were killed and several others injured during violent confrontations linked to grazing land disputes.
Parents, led by Joyce Okello and Margarett Awuor, said that ensuring the safety of learners must be prioritised if normal learning is to resume smoothly.
“We are still living in fear despite the relative calm being reported. Our children’s safety must come first before schools reopen,” said Okello.
They lamented that recurring clashes have disrupted education in the border region for years, affecting attendance and performance.
“Frequent skirmishes have greatly affected learning in this area. We need lasting solutions, not just temporary measures,” added Awuor.
The parents further urged authorities to address the root causes of the conflict, noting that increased security alone may not offer a sustainable solution.
“Deploying more security officers is important, but unless the underlying issues are resolved, the problem will persist,” they said.
According to witnesses, the recent confrontation escalated rapidly as rival groups clashed over grazing land, using crude weapons and resulting in multiple casualties.
Area OCPD Frederick Ombaka confirmed the incident, noting that several vehicles were torched during the violence.
“Three people were shot with arrows, and one individual is still missing following the clashes,” Ombaka said.
The unrest also saw angry residents barricade the Muhoroni–Londiani junction road for several hours, torching sugarcane plantations and a tractor belonging to a local sugar company.
Motorists have since been advised to use alternative routes, including the Londiani–Kericho–Kisumu road via Mau Summit, Chepsir, and Kericho town, to avoid the affected area.
Border clashes in the region have historically been linked to disputes over the exact demarcation of the 103-kilometre boundary, with some residents citing historical land claims. Other triggers include cattle rustling and conflicts over sugar plantation estates and fertile farmland.
Efforts have been made to address the disputes, including interventions by leaders such as Anyang’ Nyong’o and Erick Mutai, who in March 2025 declared the conflicts resolved following mediation supported by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission.
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However, tensions continue to flare up sporadically in areas such as Muhoroni and Sondu, raising concerns among residents and education stakeholders.
Parents are now urging the government and community leaders to fast-track lasting peace solutions to ensure uninterrupted learning and safety for school-going children in the region.
By Kimutai Langat
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