Ruto Announces Permanent Military and Police Stations in Kerio Valley to Combat Insecurity
President Ruto acknowledged the severity of the situation and assured residents that the government would take decisive steps to restore peace and stability.
President William Ruto announced plans to establish permanent Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) camps in Kerio Valley as part of efforts to tackle the persistent insecurity challenges in the region. Photo/William Ruto.
President William Ruto has announced plans to establish permanent Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) camps in Kerio Valley as part of efforts to tackle the persistent insecurity challenges in the region.
Speaking during the commissioning of Liter Girls High School in Elgeyo Marakwet County on Thursday, January 9, 2025, the President emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the security issues that have plagued the area for years.
The Kerio Valley, which spans parts of Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, and West Pokot counties, has long been a hotspot for banditry and violent conflicts, particularly in the wake of attacks that forced the closure of schools in the region last year.
President Ruto acknowledged the severity of the situation and assured residents that the government would take decisive steps to restore peace and stability.
“Military camps will be stationed permanently in this region to aid in the fight against banditry. Additionally, the police will establish training stations here to further enhance security,” President Ruto stated, underlining the government’s focus on long-term solutions rather than temporary measures.
The announcement marks a significant step towards transforming Kerio Valley into a more secure and prosperous region. The government plans to use these security initiatives to facilitate development in the area, which has been severely affected by insecurity for many years.
In addition to bolstering security, the President highlighted efforts to ensure that schools in the region remain open and functional. Following the closure of schools due to insecurity, President Ruto reiterated the government’s promise to restore educational services across the valley.
“In the next three months, all our schools must be operational, and every child must return to school,” he said, adding that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) would implement affirmative action in the region to address staffing shortages caused by previous teacher transfers.
Furthermore, the government is working on supporting locals who had migrated to other areas due to insecurity. “We will assist those who had migrated to resettle in Kerio Valley before the end of the month, ensuring that children can be transferred back to schools in their communities,” the President added.
The move to enhance security and improve access to education is part of President Ruto’s broader vision to transform Kerio Valley and other insecurity-prone regions in Kenya.
Through these strategic interventions, the government aims to create a safer environment that will encourage both local and national development in the years to come.
About Author
