The government has set in motion measures to resettle displaced residents of Cheptulel area in West Pokot County and revive five schools that were severely ravaged by banditry in the region.
This initiative by Government aims to address the humanitarian crisis caused by a recent wave of violence witnessed in the area while also ensuring that education can resume for the affected community members.
Speaking at Cheptulel Girls Secondary School in Pokot Central Sub County, East African Community (EAC), Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), and Regional Development, Cabinet Secretary, Beatrice Askul, promised to provide essential support to the local community and the school, which has faced significant challenges due to rampant insecurity in the region.
While touring the school, which had been severely wrecked by the violence, the CS expressed her commitment to addressing the community’s urgent needs.
“The government is deeply concerned about the situation here in Cheptulel. We are committed to ensuring that the local people and this school receive the support they need to recover and rebuild. Education and community welfare are priorities, and we will ensure that the necessary resources are provided,” she stated.
Askul assured the community members that her Ministry would provide relief food supplies and galvanised materials to help rebuild homes destroyed during the unrest.
“We are committed to providing food and construction materials, including galvanised iron sheets, to help families rebuild their homes and restore their livelihoods,” the Cs said.
Askul called on the county government to prioritize the repair of the road leading to Cheptulel saying that the poor condition of the road had made it difficult for aid to reach affected residents, exacerbating the challenges faced by the community.
“I call on the governor to take swift action in repairing the road so that essential supplies can reach the people without delay,” she pleaded.
She said a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) camp would be established at the border between West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet counties to enhance security and prevent further violence in the area.
“We are taking measures to ensure the safety of the people here and the KDF camp at the border will help stabilise the region and prevent future incidents of insecurity,” she stated.
West Pokot County Commissioner (CS) Abdullahi Khalif, reiterated the government’s commitment to restoring law and order in Cheptulel, following recent flare up of violence that led to the displacement of residents and disruption of educational activities.
“We are taking all necessary measures to ensure that peace is restored and maintained in the area. The safety of the people and their property is our top priority, and we are confident that peace will prevail,” the CC stated.
The County Commissioner assured the community that despite the challenges facing local schools, educational activities would continue without further interruption.
Governor Simon Kachapin highlighted the importance of the Cheptulel market as a hub for local trade and commerce, revealing plans to level the market, and improve the layout and accessibility.
Kachapin further promised the installation of street lights along key roads leading to and within the market area saying that the initiative is designed to improve security and visibility, ensuring that both traders and shoppers can operate safely during the evening hours.
“With better lighting, the community will also benefit from improved communication and mobility, particularly for those who rely on the market for their livelihood,’’ said the governor.
Governor Kachapin confirmed that the county government will allocate funds to assist residents in building their homes.
He assured the community that the county government would work closely with the Ministry of Education to ensure that qualified teachers from Cheptulel are given priority in the recruitment process.
He said that this will not only create job opportunities for Cheptulel residents, but also strengthen the educational foundation of the region by ensuring that local educators are teaching local children.
Kachapin acknowledged the pressing need for accessible medical services in Cheptulel and revealed that the county government is set to open the Arpollo Dispensary, a new healthcare facility that will provide much-needed healthcare to residents.
Pokot Central, Senior Deputy County Commissioner (SDCC), Jeremiah Tumo, requested the establishment of an additional Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) position for the region.
Tumo argued that the growing population and increasing administrative needs of Pokot Central warranted the creation of this new position to enhance governance and service delivery.
He pointed out that the current administrative structure, with one DCC overseeing a wide area, often leads to delays in decision-making and the implementation of crucial projects.
Women from Cheptulel voiced their strong desire for empowerment and greater support to improve their socio-economic well-being.
They appealed for programmes that would support women in starting and running businesses, particularly in the market and agriculture sectors.
By Richard Muhambe and Agneta Chebet