West Pokot cracks down on illegal gold excavations next to ECDE centres

West Pokot County has promised to crack down on illegal gold miners carrying out excavations next to St. Joseph Loloch Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) in Kambi Karaya disrupting learning and intruding the safety of young learners.

The County Executive Committee (CEC) for Education and Technical Training, Rebecca Kide, who visited the school to assess the situation, assured of firsthand intervention to halt the illegal activity.

Reports emerged that gold miners had invaded the school compound, digging for precious minerals right on the premises meant to nurture the minds of children.

CEC Kide’s intervention came at a crucial moment. As she toured the school grounds, it was evident that the mining activity posed severe hazards. Open pits had been dug across the compound, piles of soil and rubble were scattered around classrooms, and dust filled the air, creating a health hazard for the young learners. The presence of miners and their equipment was not only a threat to the physical safety of the children but also a disruption to the educational process.

CEC Kide condemned the activity in no uncertain terms, stating that mining within school compounds is unacceptable, illegal, and highly dangerous.

“The role of a school is to provide a safe and conducive environment for learning. It is a sanctuary where children should feel secure, nurtured, and free to explore knowledge. Any activity that compromises this sanctity is not only unlawful but morally reprehensible,” she said

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The CEC highlighted several risks associated with mining near or inside educational institutions, saying that there is the immediate danger to children from open pits, unstable ground, and exposure to heavy machinery.

“Many minerals, including gold, are found alongside toxic substances such as mercury or cyanide, which pose serious health risks. Prolonged exposure to dust and chemicals can lead to respiratory issues, skin diseases, and other long-term health complications for the children.” She said

She added that learning in a chaotic, noisy, and hazardous environment is nearly impossible. “Class schedules are interrupted, teachers find it difficult to maintain discipline, and the focus of learners is broken. For early childhood learners, in particular, such disruptions can have a lasting negative impact on their cognitive and social development.”

CEC Kide also noted the damage mining activity inflicts on school infrastructure; walls, playgrounds, and pathways designed for the daily movement and safety of children are destroyed. The investment made by parents, communities, and government in providing a conducive learning environment is compromised. “In some cases, the restoration of such damage costs more than the community can bear, diverting resources away from improving educational quality.”

Kide underscored the broader social and moral consequences, saying that schools are meant to be safe havens, free from exploitation and conflict. “When mining activities are allowed to take root, the school environment becomes a zone of risk and tension. Children may witness or even interact with illegal activities, which can normalize unlawful behavior and undermine community trust in educational institutions.”

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“The safety of our children and the integrity of our schools are non-negotiable,” CEC Kide affirmed. “Learning institutions are not mining sites. They are spaces dedicated to the growth, development, and future of our children. Anyone who violates this principle will face the full force of the law.”

The CEC’s visit also served as a strong reminder to the wider community and stakeholders. Parents, teachers, community leaders, and security agencies all have a role to play in safeguarding schools. Mining and other high-risk activities near school premises must be reported promptly. Schools must be respected as environments for nurturing talent, creativity, and character, not exploited for short-term economic gains.

The issue of illegal mining near schools is not unique to St. Joseph Loloch ECDE. Across the county and the country at large, there have been multiple reports of similar cases where learning institutions have been encroached upon by miners or other commercial interests. Each incident highlights the urgent need for proactive measures, including fencing school compounds, establishing clear buffer zones, and involving local security in routine surveillance.

The public is urged to support these efforts. Parents should ensure that schools are aware of any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods. Teachers and administrators must be vigilant and report any incursions or threats to security and education authorities. Community leaders can mediate and prevent conflicts while fostering a culture that values education above short-term gains from resource exploitation.

By Hillary Muhalya