Schools in Angata Barrikoi, Narok South, have resumed learning after weeks of disruption following the fatal shooting of five people in a land dispute-related incident.
Kenya Primary School Heads Association chair Ezekiel Kelong confirmed that student turnout has improved significantly in the affected schools since Monday.
“Learning was greatly affected, but the progress this week has been encouraging,” said Kelong.
He urged teachers to work diligently to recover lost time, saying learners from the area should be supported so that they can compete well with others in the country.
“We thank our leaders who came to preach peace here. We also thank the education office for mobilising learners to return to school,” he said.
Kelong also lauded the ongoing peace efforts in the region and called on the government to provide a lasting solution to the longstanding land conflict that continues to fuel tension and insecurity.
“The government needs to take action to end the long-standing dispute along the boundary. We have lived here for a long time and had not seen what we saw recently. Because this has happened and will affect learning, we ask the government to take the initiative and involve other stakeholders to look for a lasting solution,” added Kelong.
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The Kenya National Union of Teachers has called for immediate psychological support for learners in Angata Barrikoi, Narok South, following recent clashes that left five people dead.
Branch Executive Secretary Willy Korir said many children in the area witnessed the deadly incident and are now traumatised, making it difficult for them to concentrate on their studies.
“These children saw people being shot—it’s not something they can just forget. We need to support their mental wellbeing,” said Korir.
Korir urged both national and county governments to prioritise a lasting resolution to the land conflict, warning that continued instability threatens the future of education in the area.
The affected institutions, which include Kabusa, Angata, Ngendalel, Chelchel and Kapsinendet-Ribot Primary Schools, remained closed as learners and teachers stayed away for fear of further violence.
BY Kimutai Langat
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