Seventy-three students from Cheptulel boys’ secondary school, Pokot central sub county have resumed learning, after being displaced temporarily following months of unrest in the area.
The students were forced to relocate to Surumben boys school in Sigor Constituency, Masol Ward due to escalating tension, but now with peace having been restored, they are now back to their former school, reuniting with their peers.
This move marks a significant milestone in the region’s efforts to embrace peace and return to normalcy.
Local authorities, together with peacekeeping groups, have worked tirelessly to ensure the area’s security is restored, paving the way for the students’ return.
Speaking at Cheptuel Boys’ High School, the County Director of Peace, Rev. Jackson Alukusia, assured the community that peace has now been firmly established in the region.
He shared details about the ongoing peace process that has helped end days of terror in the area.
“We have worked tirelessly for the last five months to ensure that peace is not just a temporary solution, but a lasting one, you are now in a safe environment, and I encourage you to focus on your studies and contribute to the future of this great community,” said Rev. Alukusia.
The Director praised the community for its resilience and patience, noting that collaboration between local leaders, security agencies, and peace organizations had been key in ensuring a stable environment.
“It has been a collective effort, and the peace we see today is a result of the commitment and hard work of all those involved in the entire process,” he said.
Rev. Alukusia expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the President Dr. William Ruto and the Ministry of Interior for their unwavering support in restoring peace to Cheptulel and the surrounding areas.
He acknowledged the pivotal role that the national government and local security agencies played in ensuring stability, allowing displaced students to return to their studies.
“We are deeply grateful to the Kenya Kwanza government for their dedication in ensuring peace is restored, and it due to such concerted efforts that our students in Cheptulel are now back to school,” said Alukusia.
The school principal, James Koitilo confirmed that 73 students had successfully resumed learning, while expressed optimism that the number would exceed 100 in the coming days, even as more displaced students make their way back to the classroom.
Koitilo emphasized that the government had finally created a secure environment, allowing students to focus on their studies once again.
Parents of the school also expressed their deep gratitude to both the county and national government for their unwavering support in restoring peace and enabling their children to return to school.
The students also expressed relief and excitement upon resumption of studies, following months of disruption, with many looking forward to a brighter future.
By Agneta Chebet