Government to prioritise rebuilding of schools in banditry-prone North Rift

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has reiterated the government’s commitment to restoring education in the banditry-affected regions of the North Rift, terming school reconstruction a cornerstone of its peace and security agenda.

Speaking during the Jukwaa la Usalama forum at the Ekalees Cultural Centre in Lodwar, Murkomen acknowledged that although relative peace has been restored under Operation Maliza Uhalifu, several schools in Turkana South and Turkana East remain closed due to past insecurity.

He noted that when President William Ruto assumed office, he directed the reopening and reconstruction of all schools shut down because of banditry.

However, at least four schools in Turkana County have yet to be fully restored. Murkomen assured the public that funds have been allocated in the current financial year and that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) are expected to begin reconstruction works soon to bring the matter to a close.

In addition to Turkana, neighbouring counties such as West Pokot and parts of Kerio Valley—covering Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, and Baringo—have also seen schools vandalised, burned, or abandoned as a result of recurring insecurity. The Interior CS emphasised that schools in these regions represent hope and stability for the affected communities, and restoring them means restoring dignity, peace, and the promise of a better future.

Despite security gains under Operation Maliza Uhalifu, Murkomen acknowledged that Turkana County continues to face threats, particularly from cross-border attacks given its proximity to South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Uganda.

He noted that while large parts of Turkana East and Turkana South have experienced improvements, pockets of insecurity persist and some border communities still pose a threat. As such, the government may consider deploying multi-agency security teams, including the KDF, to international entry points to support the police and National Police Reservists (NPRs).

During the forum, which brought together grassroots voices on security issues, Murkomen also addressed the role of NPRs. He revealed that reforms are underway to strengthen their accountability and better integrate them into the chain of command through the Officer Commanding Station (OCS). He emphasized that NPRs must recognize their role as officers of the National Government, tasked with protecting civilians, not causing harm.

Murkomen also expressed concern over the region’s porous borders, saying they have become key routes for human traffickers and undocumented immigrants, especially through Turkana and Marsabit. These counties, he explained, have become critical transit points for illegal migrants headed toward Nairobi and other urban centers.

In response to these challenges, the government plans to recruit and equip more NPRs, expand mobile network coverage in underserved areas, and increase the number of police stations to match the vast geography of the North Rift.

The Interior Cabinet Secretary was joined by a high-level delegation of national and county leaders, including Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli, Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai, several area Members of Parliament, Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Dr. Abdi Hassan, and senior regional security officers. Also present were Turkana County Commissioner Julius Kavita, Speaker of the Turkana County Assembly Charles Lokiyoto, Members of the County Assembly, and other senior government officials.