State shifts focus to education as long-term solution to promote peace in volatile North Rift

The Ministry of Interior is shifting its efforts toward education as a long-term solution to promote peace and drive economic growth in the North Rift region, which has been plagued by cattle rustling, conflict, and insecurity.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has said the region is in urgent need of educational infrastructure and resources which will empower local communities and reduce the likelihood of conflicts and criminal activities.

Kindiki announced that the government has initiated several programmes aimed at improving access to education in the area. Such initiatives include the construction of new schools, equipping them with adequate facilities, and providing learning materials to students.

“To bring lasting peace, we will build five special schools where children from various communities, including Pokot, Marakwet, and Turkana, can study together, live together, and cooperate so that they can help us maintain peace even in the future,” Kindiki said.

Kindiki also mentioned that the ministry plans to collaborate with legislators and county governments to help students acquire essential skills and explore various career paths.

Additionally, he said the government will work closely with the private sector and professionals from various fields to provide students with ongoing support, guidance, and motivation throughout their educational journey.

“The 15 schools in Tiaty Constituency that were vandalised and destroyed by bandits will be rebuilt. Every pupil must return to school, and the government will ensure their safety to allow uninterrupted learning,” he said.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki addresses GSU officers at the Kosile camp in Baringo County on March 12, 2024. (Photo: X/ Interior ministry)

He reiterated that education will promote understanding and tolerance by exposing communities in the North Rift to diverse positive cultures, perspectives, and ideas.

Investment

Kindiki said the government has ramped up investment in technical and vocational education by establishing technical training institutes throughout the region.

Further, satellite campuses of established universities have been launched in the North Rift to increase access to higher education opportunities.

CS Kindiki expressed confidence that education would promote peaceful coexistence among the region's communities.

The North Rift region, including Turkana, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Laikipia, and Samburu, has long struggled with insecurity due to frequent bandit attacks.

By March 2024, bandit attacks in the region had claimed 75 lives and forced over 2,500 residents to flee their homes, according to the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC).

In response to the crisis, the government initiated a security operation last year, deploying military forces to help restore peace and stability in the affected areas.