Learning resumed at Cheptulel Boys Secondary School in West Pokot on the weekend after it was closed for three years due to insecurity.
The school is among dozens that had been closed due to banditry incidents in the region.
At least 73 students were forced to relocate to Surumben Boys School in Sigor Constituency but now with peace having been restored, they are back to their former school, reuniting with their peers.
The Commander of Operation Maliza Uhalifu, Brig Stephen Huria, visited the school on Monday following the return of students after being away for three years.
He told the students to focus on their studies as they pacify the area for stability amid joy from the local community.
Other
personnel stationed at the Kainuk Forward Operating Base held a key leadership
engagement with leaders from the Aroo sub-county as part of efforts to tame the
insecurity issue.
KDF is
leading Operation Maliza Uhalifu to tame banditry that has killed many and
displaced thousands.
The move to reopen the school marks a significant milestone in the region’s efforts to embrace peace and return to normalcy.
Local authorities, together with peacekeeping groups, have worked tirelessly to ensure the area’s security is restored, paving the way for the students’ return.
The County Director of Peace, Rev. Jackson Alukusia, assured the community that peace has now been firmly established in the region.
He shared details about the ongoing peace process that has helped end days of terror in the area.
“We have worked tirelessly for the last five months to ensure that peace is not just a temporary solution, but a lasting one, you are now in a safe environment, and I encourage you to focus on your studies and contribute to the future of this great community,” said Rev. Alukusia.
Alukusia expressed his heartfelt gratitude to President William Ruto and
the Ministry of Interior for their unwavering support in restoring peace to
Cheptulel and the surrounding areas.
At least 172 illegal firearms were last year
recovered in ongoing Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift.
The operation has also seen a significant drop
in cattle rustling cases, the Ministry of Interior said.
“The operation has led to a 62% reduction in the number of cattle rustling occurrences,
with cases dropping from 63,054 stolen livestock to 23,668—a decline of 39,386 heads of cattle.”
“Notably, 172 illegal firearms were collected
during mop-up exercises and 10,173 livestock have been recovered,” a statement
from the ministry said.
During the same period, 250 suspects, including
14 political leaders, were arrested and prosecuted.
Launched in February 2023, Operation Maliza
Uhalifu North Rift is a government security
initiative that targeted escalating banditry, cattle rustling, and violence
in nine counties including Baringo, Turkana,
Samburu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot,
Marsabit, Laikipia, Isiolo, and Meru.
Hot spot areas in these counties were designated
as “Disturbed” and “Dangerous,” in the operation that brought together the
National Police Service (NPS) and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in a
coordinated effort to restore peace and stability in the region.
Security officers on the ground have effectively disarmed hundreds of bandits, dismantled their hideouts in the rugged terrain, and restored stability to affected communities.
To strengthen local security, the government has
restructured the management and command
of the National Police Reservists.
In 2023, a
total of 1,702 reservists were recruited and
trained in Baringo, Samburu, Laikipia, Meru, Turkana, and West Pokot.
At least 400 reservists in Elgeyo Marakwet and Isiolo were re-armed to supplement the ongoing security operations in the
area.
To enhance governance and improve service delivery, the Government gazetted 126 new administrative units across Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Turkana, Samburu, Meru, and Laikipia Counties.
This
initiative is aimed at strengthening local administration, improving resource
allocation, and enabling a more effective response to security challenges.
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has played a crucial role in this reconstruction effort and to date, 26 schools have reopened and at least 4,000 children went back to school marking a significant step towards recovery.
Renovations have been completed or are underway
in 21 schools, with Baringo County being the most affected.