- The government launched a security operation in 2023 to address the situation; however, a year later, there were few tangible results.
Former Nakuru County Governor Lee Kinyanjui has raised concerns over the escalating insecurity in Baringo County.
Speaking out against the closure of several schools in the region, Kinyanjui emphasized the critical importance of education for children, warning that prolonged absences from school could potentially lead them into a path of criminality.
"The insecurity in Baringo is not acceptable. We cannot have 29 schools closed. Our children wake up in the morning and can't go to school, and not much and not enough has been done," expressed Kinyanjui. "If these children don't go to school for a year or two or three, you are also preparing them for bandits tomorrow because they have nowhere to go; they have no education. There is no greater matter in Kenya today than opening our schools."
The closure or severe limitations faced by numerous schools in Baringo North, including Sibilo Secondary, Sibilo Primary, Koroto Secondary, Koroto Primary, Biretwonin Primary, Akorayan Primary, Moinonin Primary, Chepkewel Primary, Ngaratuko Primary, Kosile Primary, Kagir Primary, Yatya Primary and Secondary exacerbates the educational crisis in the region. .
Other closed schools include Rondinin Primary, Karimo Primary, Sesianin Primary, Kapsepeiwa Primary, Naipen Primary, Kibenos Primary, Kipcherere Primary & Secondary, and Lake Baringo Secondary.
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Baringo County has been plagued by banditry-related violence, resulting in a significant number of casualties and injuries. Since 2005, over 400 people have lost their lives as a result of banditry, and more than 40,000 individuals have been displaced, with many still awaiting compensation for their losses.
The government launched a security operation in 2023 to address the situation; however, a year later, there were few tangible results.
The dire security situation has compelled residents to flee their homes, leaving behind a trail of destruction and unrest. The escalating violence has now disrupted the education system, with learners and teachers opting to stay away from school due to safety concerns.
Former Governor Kinyanjui called upon the people and leadership of Baringo to unite and exert pressure on the authorities to take immediate action.
"For the people and leadership of Baringo, we must come together and press upon the leadership that we cannot be quiet when our people out here are sleeping outside; women cannot go to the shamba (farm)," he urged.
