West Pokot County Government has initiated an education affirmative project by setting up free boarding schools in volatile areas along the County border as a long-lasting solution to insecurity. The areas where the schools are going to be set up are Kanyerus, Katikomor, Nauyapong, Sapulmoi, Akulo, Apuke along the border of the neighbouring Counties of Turkana, Elgeyo Marakwet and Uganda.
These areas were abandoned for a long period due to insecurity and the perennial fights among the neighbouring communities. The County government has set aside twenty million shillings for every school. Speaking at Masol, West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo said that the County administration has started the construction at the border points prone to insecurity, banditry and cattle rustling activities.
Children from the Pokot side will get 70% of the admissions and the remaining 30% will be given to the neighbouring communities from Sebei, Turkana and Marakwet. “We are in the process of establishing model Early Childhood Development Centers (ECDCs) in every ward across the County,” he said.
The County boss said his government has prioritized the education sector to help transform the area that was marginalized for decades. “The County government has fully funded the schools and within the next 2 years they should be up and running,” he said.
He said the schools will help increase enrollment, retention and the transition of pupils to secondary schools and tertiary colleges. “The program will mainly target boys and girls who have never had the privilege of going to school. The schools will offer free boarding
facilities, no payment of fees, no fees for tuition and will offer other basic needs,” he said.
The Governor pointed out that the County was faced with numerous challenges such as high illiteracy levels, poverty, malnutrition, school dropouts, the menace of female genital mutilation and early forced marriages. “My government will be at the forefront in confronting such challenges and many others and also providing a long-lasting solution that will be beneficial to residents of this County,” he said.
He reiterated that the County has set aside Sh. 200 million for bursary and scholarships to benefit students in secondary schools, colleges and universities. “Plans are underway to constitute a County Bursary Committee to be in charge of this fund. This term will be up and running by November this year. We shall ensure these funds are distributed equitably and fairly,” he said.“We now want our people to enjoy the fruits of devolution because development has been realized in their area. Many residents have nothing to show as they still are still faced with many education challenges,” he said.