BARINGO, Kenya – Stung by banditry attacks, the Government has focused on education as a long-term option for peace and economic prosperity to improve the restive North Rift region.
The area, beset by violence, livestock rustling, and instability, desperately needs education resources and facilities.
Against this backdrop, the Government has launched several initiatives to expand the region’s educational opportunities and address this problem.
These projects include building new schools, furnishing them with necessary equipment, and giving pupils educational resources.
The Interior Cabinet Secretary, while on a recent tour of the North Rift region, pointed out education as one of the most reliable strategies for ending the cycle of insecurity in the area.
What is the impact of education on banditry
Y News understands that education lowers the likelihood of conflict and criminal activity in communities while providing a clear route for economic advancement.
“In a bid to bring long-lasting peace, as a government, we are going to construct five special schools so that children from different communities, including Pokot, Marakwet and Turkana, can learn under one roof, live together in helping create peace and harmony in the feature,” said Kindiki.
As part of this strategy, legislators and county governments are being engaged to help students develop the skills and education needed to tame the unrest in the North Rift and explore career opportunities.
These programs involve partnerships with government agencies, the private sector, and professionals from different sectors who will offer guidance, motivation, and support to students throughout their educational journey.
“15 schools that were vandalised and destroyed by bandits here in Tiaty Constituency will be reconstructed. All pupils must go back to school, and the Government will ensure they are secure to facilitate uninterrupted learning,” said CS Kindiki.
The tough-talking CS exuded confidence in education, stating that it will expose communities in the North Rift to various beneficial cultures, ideas, and perspectives, fostering understanding and tolerance.
Why has the Kenyan Government invested in TTIs
Additionally, CS Kindiki said the ruling Kenya Kwanza government has boosted investment in technical and vocational education by establishing technical training institutes throughout the region.
More people will have access to career-focused courses and acquire valuable skills that will improve their employability in their local areas.
In addition, satellite campuses of well-known colleges have been created in the North Rift region, increasing access to higher education opportunities.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Interior and National Administration’s Public Communication Division, seen by Y News, the department is upbeat about the long-term effects of these educational activities on security and socioeconomic development in the North Rift region.
“There is a widespread assumption that by educating and empowering youth, we are laying the groundwork for harmonious community living,’ the statement reads in part.
In the end, the Ministry of Interior has acknowledged education as a potent instrument and substitute weapon against the difficulties encountered by the unrest-plagued North Rift region.
