West Pokot – Local residents have voiced their request for the government to allocate more resources toward improving school infrastructure in the region, emphasizing the role of education in creating safer and more prosperous communities.
According to Kenya News Agency, During a stakeholders’ forum focused on the medium-term budget-making process for the financial years 2024/25 to 2026/27, participants highlighted the need for enhanced educational facilities. They pointed out that investing in school infrastructure would not only provide children with better learning environments but also play a crucial role in addressing the county’s broader challenges, such as insecurity. “By making education more accessible and appealing, we can empower the younger generation and help put an end to issues like banditry,” they argued.
Phillip Lomongin, one of the participants, drew attention to the current state of schools in the area, noting that many lack modern facilities. He urged the government to increase its financial commitment to education, suggesting that this could help attract more children to schools. Lomongin also observed a correlation between improved education and reduced insecurity, stating that areas where learning had been prioritized were experiencing fewer security incidents.
Additionally, the stakeholders highlighted the success of peace schools established along border points, suggesting that expanding this initiative to other conflict-prone areas could contribute to stability in the region. They also noted that while insecurity remained a concern, the situation might not be as severe as perceived by the wider Kenyan public.
In his concluding remarks, Lomongin recommended that the national government invest more in peacebuilding efforts, with a particular focus on involving local elders in these initiatives.