Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to rebuilding schools in the banditry-prone North Rift region, calling it a central pillar of Kenya’s long-term peace and security agenda.
Speaking during the Jukwaa la Usalama forum at the Ekalees Cultural Centre in Lodwar, Murkomen said restoring education in Turkana and neighbouring counties is essential to reviving communities devastated by years of insecurity.
“Schools are not just learning institutions, they are symbols of stability, dignity, and the future,” he said. “Rebuilding them is rebuilding hope.”
While acknowledging significant gains made under Operation Maliza Uhalifu, the Interior CS noted that several schools in Turkana South and Turkana East remain shut due to earlier attacks. He revealed that President William Ruto had directed all schools closed due to banditry be reopened and reconstructed, and confirmed that funding for the projects has already been allocated in the current financial year.
Murkomen said the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) will soon begin reconstruction in affected areas. At least four schools in Turkana County are yet to be fully restored, with similar destruction reported in West Pokot, Baringo, and parts of Kerio Valley.
Despite progress, Murkomen admitted that Turkana still faces persistent threats, particularly from cross-border attacks involving armed groups from South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Uganda. To enhance border security, the government is considering deploying multi-agency security teams, including the KDF, at key entry points.
He also addressed the role of National Police Reservists (NPRs), announcing ongoing reforms to strengthen their accountability and ensure they operate under the formal chain of command through the Officer Commanding Station (OCS). “NPRs must serve and protect, not intimidate. They are an extension of the National Government,” he asserted.
Murkomen further raised concern over porous borders that have made Turkana and Marsabit transit routes for human trafficking and undocumented immigrants headed to Nairobi and other urban centers.
To address these growing challenges, the government plans to recruit and equip more NPRs, expand mobile network coverage in remote areas, and increase the number of police stations across the vast region.
The high-level security forum was attended by Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli, Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai, Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Dr. Abdi Hassan, county and national lawmakers, and senior regional security officials.
Written By Rodney Mbua
