KDF renovates schools in Laikipia to boost peace efforts

MUTURI MWANGI-KNA

The Kenya Defence Force (KDF) has embarked on the renovation and construction of classrooms in ten primary schools in insecurity-prone areas of Laikipia County as part of efforts to restore lasting peace in the affected regions.

Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru, while commissioning the projects, said the classrooms would be completed and ready for use within two months.

He added that the initiative was being implemented following a directive from President William Ruto.

“The President directed that bandits be flushed out of Mukogodo Forest and that schools neighbouring the forest be improved.

The Head of State wants learners to have a conducive environment for learning,” said the PS after commissioning the construction of dormitories at Ngenia Comprehensive School. 

Expansion of facilities in the schools that offer boarding facilities aims at boosting enrolment and promoting retention as a way of discouraging youths who drop out of school from engaging in criminal activities.

Most of the schools earmarked in the project border the expansive Mukogodo Forest in Laikipia North Constituency, where adjacent villages have over the years borne the brunt of banditry attacks, leading to loss of lives, livestock theft and destruction of property.

The insecurity has in the past claimed the life of a chief and several National Police Reservists, prompting residents to flee from the area, resulting in school dropouts.

Recently, a multi-agency security force was deployed into the forest to flush out the criminals, who had turned the area into their hideouts and where they frequently carried out armed raids targeting business premises and livestock.