Learning has been paralysed along the border of West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet counties at Chesegon area after recent sporadic attacks that made locals to flee from their homes.
The insecurity challenge has forced parents to migrate to safer places as learners will miss attending classes due to insecurity challenges.
Some of the parents said most of the schools remained closed after schools opened for first term.
Tito Lopurian a local from Chesegon area in West Pokot County said their neighbours from Marakwet have invaded Chesogon market thrilling tension in the area.
He added that attacks have been done during the day as locals continue to suffer due to insecurity.
Another local Lomunyonguria Kadonyang said every community should stay within their areas citing that locals have migrated affecting learning.
“Chesogon and Cheptulel primary schools have been affected, learners have not yet reported to school. Their parents have migrated to Lomut and Sigor areas.” He said.
Cheptulel area chief James Kopeyon said the insecurity challenge in the area has affected more than 5000 people who live in the area and there is no police camp to accommodate police officers to man the area.
He said police officers have nowhere to live after the police camp was swept away by floods last year hence asked the government to build another camp.
“Disarmament wasn’t done fairly one community was disarmed while the other still holds on illegal guns, people have been killed at their door steps.” He said.
Kopeyon added that insecurity has forced schools not to open as parents fear taking their children to school.
“Chesegon, Cheptulel and Sampolmoi primary schools are still shut few parents who remained in the area also can’t send learner s to school because of fear.” He said.
Pokot Central Sub County Deputy Commissioner Simiyu Were said security officers have been deployed in the area doing patrols.
He said schools have been opened and asked parents to take their children to school.
“We have provided enough security and we aren’t facing an emergency. The people have been going to the market and attending church services. Why now when schools have opened that’s when they are raising insecurity challenges. They should take learners to school.” He said.
He noted that there was tension but they have tried to calm the situation.
One of the education stakeholders within the county who never wanted to be quoted said until when the government assures them of their security that’s when they will resume learning.
