As schools reopen for the third term 2020 calendar year for Form one to three, Grade one to three as well as Class five to seven, Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), Baringo Branch officials, say they will lobby teachers against teaching in insecure areas of the County if their safety is not guaranteed.
Led by the Branch Executive Secretary, Rev Joshua Cheptarus, the officials revealed that more than five schools might not open in some parts of Tiaty, Baringo South and Baringo North due to perennial cattle rustling and banditry menace.
“We want to avoid a situation where our teachers go there and risk their lives for the sake of their job,” Cheptarus said.
The KNUT Secretary who was speaking to the press in Kabarnet town, said tension is still high as learners go back to school and parents, teachers as well as the students are in limbo over the reopening of schools due to insecurity in some schools in the area.
“Teachers and pupils of more than five school within Baringo South and Tiaty are unable to resume normal learning since most of them fear for their lives,” the KNUT Secretary said.
Cheptarus noted that some schools in Arabal, Kapindasum and Rukus might not open due to fear of attack by the bandits.
“We were excited with operations in these areas but ever since it was scaled down these areas of late have become very insecure, the KNUT Secretary said.
He called on the Regional Commissioner, George Natembeya, to enhance security measures in the volatile areas of the County even as schools resume after a seven-week holiday.
By Laban Kiptoo and Christopher Kiprop
