Education

State extends support in bandit-prone areas through construction of new boarding schools

Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang. (Photo: Education Ministry)

By Barack Oduor | Monday, June 17, 2024

The government, through the KDF is in the final stages of completing the reconstruction of more than 10 schools that were torched by bandits in parts of Baringo North and South sub-counties.

The government is in the process of extending support to parents and learners from areas hit by banditry and cattle rustling in the country through the building of affordable low-cost boarding schools.

While speaking at Moinonin Primary School grounds in Saimo Soi Ward in Uasin Gishu when he led a team of top state officials from the social sector sub-committee on a public engagement in Baringo County, Basic Education Principal Secretary Dr Belio Kipsang revealed that they have decided to secure the lives and properties of the locals, who are affected by the armed criminals.

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According to Kipsang', the government, through the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) is in the final stages of completing the reconstruction of more than 10 schools that were torched by bandits in parts of Baringo North and South sub-counties.

The PS, accompanied by his counterparts Harry Kimtai (Medical Services), Amos Gathecha (Public Service) and Anne Wang'ombe (Gender) announced that he is set to push for the construction of many low-cost boarding facilities in the region.

Kipsang singled out Moinonin Centre, where he recommended that additional classrooms be built, explaining that the place has for the last six months played host to learners from neighbouring institutions that closed due to rampant insecurity.

"I wish to thank the school management of Moinonin for hosting several schools. They have demonstrated that they are good people and should continue with the same spirit," Kipsang said.

Fortified porridge

The PS also revealed that the government is in the process of reintroducing fortified porridge for young learners in a bid to assist in their mental development.

Kipsang challenged education stakeholders to make it a habit of following up on the welfare and progress of learners to secure a good future for them.

Wang'ombe said that young children and women from the region have borne the heaviest brunt when it comes to challenges arising from insecurity.

She called upon parents and locals to play a leading role in promoting peaceful coexistence which is key for the region in realising meaningful development.

The Gender PS pledged that learners in both primary and junior secondary school, especially from insecurity-prone areas will benefit from the government's free sanitary towels to ensure they study uninterrupted.

PS Kimtai pleaded with parents to register their children in the social health insurance fund, which will be rolled out towards the end of June this year for them to access health services.

"When you register your children into the social health authority, they will be accessing health services without any challenge across the various health facilities like dispensaries, health centres, sub-county hospitals up to the national referral facility without any major challenge," he said.