Govt to Establish Low-Cost Boarding Schools in Insecurity-Prone Areas
Basic Education Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Belio Kipsang announced the government’s commitment to assisting parents and learners in areas affected by cattle rustling and banditry through the establishment of low-cost boarding schools.
During a public engagement at Moinonin primary school in Saimo Soi Ward, Baringo County, Dr. Kipsang, accompanied by three other PS’s from the social sector sub-committee, expressed the government’s dedication to protecting the lives and properties of locals tormented by armed criminals for a long time.
He mentioned that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) are in the process of completing the reconstruction of over ten schools vandalized by bandits in Baringo North and South Sub counties.
Dr. Kipsang stated he would recommend the construction of several low-cost boarding facilities in the region, particularly in Moinonin, which has hosted learners from neighboring institutions closed due to insecurity over the past six months.
He thanked the Moinonin school management for their hospitality and encouraged them to continue their efforts.
The PS also oversaw a school feeding program and noted that the government plans to reintroduce fortified porridge for young learners to aid their mental development. He urged education stakeholders to follow up on the welfare and progress of learners to secure their future.
In her remarks, PS Anne Wang’ombe emphasized that young children and women have suffered the most from the region’s insecurity.
She called on parents and the community to promote peaceful coexistence, essential for meaningful development.
Wang’ombe also announced that learners in primary and junior secondary schools from insecure areas would receive free sanitary towels from the government to ensure uninterrupted study.
PS Harry Kimtai encouraged parents to register their children in the social health insurance fund, set to roll out by the end of June. This registration would allow children to access health services across various facilities without challenges.
Baringo Deputy Governor Eng. Felix Kimaiyo praised the government for its support in infrastructure and food but requested more assistance for all schools affected by banditry, which he said urgently need basic and humanitarian aid.
He suggested converting Moinonin into a low-cost boarding school to ensure learners’ safety, preventing them from endangering their lives by traveling home.
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The head teacher of Moinonin, Petro Chirchir, reported that the school’s enrollment increased due to the feeding program, which had attracted more students.
He highlighted that livestock has become a dangerous asset for locals, making schools the safest environment that must be fully equipped and safeguarded.
Chirchir expressed gratitude for the government’s food initiative and hoped it would continue, emphasizing the importance of the sanitary towels program for girls whose parents cannot afford them.
Govt to Establish Low-Cost Boarding Schools in Insecurity-Prone Areas
