19 schools closed in Baringo following frequent bandit attacks

At least 19 schools have been closed indefinitely in a span of three months in Baringo North following banditry attacks in the region.

The attacks have claimed the lives of 16 people and displaced more than 2,000 families who now require humanitarian support in internally displaced camps.

The banditry attacks in six counties of the North Rift have stirred conversation on the government's inability to weed out bandits from their hideouts.

Yatya Primary School in Baringo North remains deserted for a week now; learners and teachers have kept off the school as the insecurity situation worsens.

Japheth Masibu, County Director of Education in Baringo, said: “There is the issue of students not going to school, they’re deserting because of insecurity, they had to keep off...students are moving away.”

The 19 schools that have been closed indefinitely include: Sibilo Secondary School, Sibilo Primary School, Koroto Secondary School, Koroto Primary School, Biretwonin Primary School, Akorayan Primary School, Moinonin Primary School, Chepkwel Primary School, Kosile Primary School, and Ng’aratuko Primary School.

Ngaratuko Primary School head teacher Charles Tarus said: “Kama shule yangu Ngaratuko walitupiga mchana saa sita mpaka askari wa RDU waliturescue...wakang’oa, tukafunga madarasa na tukaenda.”

Other schools that were operational last year but have since been shut due to the ongoing conflict include; Kagir Primary School, Yatya Secondary School, Rondinin Primary School, Karimo Primary School, Sesianin Primary School, Kasepeiwa Primary School, Naipen Primary School, and Kibenos Primary School.

More than 2,000 families have been displaced from their homes in recent weeks and are seeking shelter in IDP camps set up in secure areas.

Mogotio MP Reuben Kiborek said: “Closing a school by criminals is unfortunate in this century, the government should protect lives so that children learn without fear.”

The government has been conducting a security operation since 2023 but a year after the operation was launched, there is little to show for it.

Residents continue to flee homes, tens of people are killed and now learners and their teachers are keeping off school.