Coast Regional Commissioner John Elung’ata has ordered the immediate reopening of all schools within Boni area following security restoration.
Speaking in Mokowe Lamu after touring the county’s mega projects and holding a brief meeting with security agents Thursday, Elung’ata expressed concern that no learning was going on in the Boni area because all the five schools remain closed due to insecurity fears.
He stated that Lamu’s security had greatly improved stressing: “I am remarkably impressed by the security situation in Lamu, and I would like to assure teachers that they should not fear working in the area,” he stated.
Basuba, Milimani, Mararani, Mangai and Kiangwe primary schools in Lamu have remained closed since 2014 owing to a spate of terror attacks.
Teachers who fled the area then have refused to return even after being enticed with handsome pay and allowances.
Several local leaders, have asked for the reopening of Schools within the Boni area with Lamu East MP Ahmed Shariff and Lamu West MP Stanley Muthama expressing concern that literacy levels were likely to be affected if half the Lamu population cannot be given the opportunity to learn due to terrorist attack fears.
The regional commissioner added that in the event that teachers fail to report back, the County government with the communities affected should look for alternative ways to ensure children are taught.
He also said that the national government will comply with court orders on land issues in Lamu following reports of increased encroachment cases.
“We need to ensure that land issues in Lamu, do not cause conflicts as this is likely to affect security of the area,” the regional commissioner stated.
He expressed satisfaction with the progress of the county’s mega projects with LAPSSET currently standing at 65 percent completion for all the three government built berths.
Elung’ata said that the national government had released enough funds for the completion of the Lamu-Witu-Garsen road.
By Amenya Ochieng
