CS Kindiki reopens schools in West Pokot affected by banditry

By Robert Mutasi 

The government has set aside 100 million Kenyan shillings to reconstruct schools that were closed in West Pokot County.

The closures occurred after bandits attacked and destroyed classrooms and some properties.

Banditry in the region has caused insecurity, leading to the instability of activities such as education.

Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, while speaking in West Pokot on Sunday, said President William Ruto ordered the reopening of all closed schools.

The schools will reopen immediately after reconstruction is completed.

Reconstruction will be done for those that were fully and partially closed in the region.

The CS added that the construction will be undertaken by the Kenya Defence Forces with the support of trained Rural National Service personnel, who will assist engineers.

"We have announced in other counties, according to the order of His Excellency William Ruto, that all schools that were closed in this country due to banditry and cattle rustling, His Excellency has ordered all schools must be reopened," said Kindiki.

Kindiki vowed to deal with any bandits who attempt to invade educational institutions and disrupt the training.

He emphasized that attacks from bandits are against the law, and legal action will be taken against the suspects.

"We cannot allow criminals to take control in any corner of this country, which would otherwise be used to enlighten our children," he said.

Chaptula Boys, Kisa Primary School, and Moi Primary are among the schools that were closed due to attacks from bandits in West Pokot.