NAIROBI, Kenya, July 28 – Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced that most schools in Baringo County previously shut down due to insecurity have now reopened, with nearly all learners returning to class.
While terming the progress encouraging, Murkomen noted that full normalcy is yet to be achieved, as many of the institutions still lack essential learning infrastructure, particularly boarding facilities.
“We are working to establish boarding schools that will offer better support for learners in these regions,” he said.
“I urge well-wishers and development partners to join hands with us and the NGCDF to construct proper school facilities that can accommodate our children.”
Murkomen made the remarks during the Jukwaa La Usalama forum at the Kabarnet County Commissioner’s office, where he also announced plans to establish seven new police stations in remote areas of Baringo by the end of the year.
He described the move as part of a broader strategy to complement education efforts through improved security.
“We cannot have sustainable schooling without sustainable security,” he said.
“I’ve set a personal deadline to return in December with new Officer Commanding Stations and other key personnel. Government presence must be felt where there are gaps, not just as a buffer between constituencies, but to resolve underlying problems.”
He cited Silale and Tirioko wards in Tiaty Constituency as some of the most neglected areas, noting that the absence of schools, roads and health services has created a vacuum often exploited by criminals, thereby destabilizing neighbouring communities.
“These are not just security issues; they are development issues,” he said. “Government must serve even the most remote corners of the country.”
Beyond police stations, Murkomen said the government is constructing security roads and working with the Communications Authority of Kenya, through the Universal Service Fund, to improve mobile network coverage.
The goal, he said, is to enhance coordination among security agencies and facilitate residents’ access to critical services.
The CS credited Operation Maliza Uhalifu (OMU), a multi-agency security initiative involving the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), for restoring relative calm in the North Rift, which has allowed learning to resume in areas previously under threat.
“KDF has done its part, the security teams have done theirs, and we will continue working together to build on this progress,” he said.
Murkomen also reiterated the government’s amnesty offer to criminals in possession of illegal firearms, urging them to surrender their weapons and embrace rehabilitation programs that provide vocational training and alternative livelihoods.
“To those still holding guns: surrender them for pens. We are offering a second chance, but that window will not remain open forever,” he warned. “The next phase will be ruthless for those who refuse to comply.”
Responding to reports that some criminals are using government-issued ammunition, Murkomen admitted that rogue officers have been implicated in supplying arms to bandits.
He vowed that any officers found culpable will face the full force of the law. “The law will catch up with them. We will not tolerate betrayal from within,” he said.
The Cabinet Secretary was accompanied by top security officials including Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli, Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Dr. Abdi Hassan, Rift Valley Regional Police Commander Jasper Ombati, Administration Police Commandant John Amadadi, Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi, and other local leaders.
