Guard children against banditry, Kindiki appeals to parents

Parents and guardians in the North Rift region have been urged to keep their children off criminal activities like banditry.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on Wednesday appealed to the parents to keep their children in school as anyone involved in banditry will not be spared.

"Parents don't put your children in harm's way, by encouraging them to engage in banditry. The business of livestock theft is unsustainable. Any person who attacks our security officers is violating the sovereignty of our Nation and we shall not allow such acts," he said 

The Interior boss  highlighted that children belonged to schools that have plenty of books and learning materials 

"The books and academic facilities contain knowledge that will generate the next group of professionals who will change the fortunes of North Rift Valley Region," Kindiki explained.

"The knowledge in those books will help produce the next generation of doctors, engineers, teachers, journalists, security officers, political leaders and other professionals."

Goign further, the CS assured parents that one of the schools in bandit-prone areas will have teachers to take their children through the 2024 education calendar.

Kindiki even stated that security for the teachers and school staff will be guaranteed.

"Teachers Service Commission has assured us that all these schools will have sufficient teachers to teach our children. They have no reason to fear. We must not allow a few criminal elements to derail the education of our children and sabotage the next generation," he added.

In addition, Kindiki assured parents that the school will provide meals enough to feed the children while in school to ensure they continue to learn in a conducive environment.

"The government understands that you were unable to cultivate your lands because of the risk posed by bandits. Don't worry, we will provide enough food to feed your children," he noted.

The CS was speaking during a tour at Cheptulel Boys Secondary School and Sapulmoi Primary School in Sigor Constituency in West Pokot.

The government through the Interior Ministry is rehabilitating nine schools in West Pokot; Cheptulel Boys Secondary School, Chesegon, Cheptulel, Sapulmoi, Lonyangalem, Kour, Songok and Karon Primary Schools and Kisaa ECD School.

The state will provide adequate security to ensure normal learning in these schools resume next month.