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The Ministry of Interior and National Administration (MINA) has announced that 13 schools in Baringo, West Pokot, and Turkana counties remain closed due to ongoing insecurity caused by banditry.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry confirmed that students from these schools have been transferred to other institutions to ensure their education continues.
Regarding the progress of Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift, which began in February 2023, the Ministry revealed that Sh 100 million has been allocated to rehabilitate 34 of the 39 schools that were previously closed due to violence and displacement from bandit attacks.
“The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) have been instrumental in this restoration process, and as of now, 26 schools have reopened,” the Ministry added.
MINA further reported that renovation work has either been completed or is ongoing at 21 schools, with Baringo County being the hardest hit by these disruptions.
Additionally, the Ministry confirmed that no schools in Elgeyo Marakwet County have been closed, and all previously shut institutions in Laikipia and Samburu counties have resumed operations.
Thanks to improved security, about 4,000 children have been able to return to school, according to the Ministry.
The Ministry also stated that this year’s national exams—the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)—were held without any interruptions in the region.
MINA praised the success of the multi-agency security operation, noting significant improvements in regional safety.
“Security personnel on the ground have successfully disarmed hundreds of bandits, destroyed their hideouts in difficult terrain, and restored stability to affected areas,” MINA reported.
The Ministry highlighted a 62% drop in cattle rustling incidents, with livestock theft cases falling from 63,054 to 23,668, a decrease of 39,386 animals.
Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift is a government-led initiative aimed at combating banditry, cattle rustling, and associated violence across nine counties: Baringo, Turkana, Samburu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Marsabit, Laikipia, Isiolo, and Meru. Under this operation, certain areas in these counties were designated as “Disturbed” and “Dangerous.”
The initiative has brought together the National Police Service (NPS) and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in a coordinated effort to restore peace and stability. The Ministry expressed confidence that continued collaboration between these agencies will maintain the progress achieved and ensure the safety of North Rift communities.
