West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin has officially presided over the handing over of a newly constructed multi-million-shilling school in Pokot Central Sub County.
The school is was constructed by Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) with support from the World Bank through International Development Association (IDA), is intended to significantly improve access to quality education and promote lasting peace along the volatile West Pokot-Turkana border.
Sangak Primary School is a modern institution designed to accommodate over 800 learners from ECDE to upper primary school levels.
“This institution will not only improve access to education but also offer a secure environment where it will address both academics and social aspects among learners,” said Kachapin.
The Governor highlighted the school’s dual purpose in providing educational opportunities and fostering peace in the region.
“Education is the foundation of a peaceful and prosperous society. This project is not just about classrooms and buildings. It is about giving our children hope, reducing inter-community conflict, and building a united future for Pokot and Turkana families,” Kachapin said.
He further noted that the best way to show gratitude for such a vital investment is to ensure that every child in the area goes to school, rather than being drawn into child labor, particularly in the informal mining sector.
“One way to truly appreciate this development is to make sure all our children attend school and stay away from the mining business,” he added.
The Governor also acknowledged the efforts of security forces in maintaining peace and emphasized that the school will serve as a security hub, urging all stakeholders to collaborate for peace and development
“I want to sincerely thank our security officers for their tireless work in fostering peace and protecting our people. Their efforts have laid the foundation for projects like this to succeed,” he said.
Senior Deputy County Commissioner (SDCC) for Pokot Central, Jeremiah Tumo, praised the initiative, recognizing its importance in a region affected by insecurity.
“This area has suffered from insecurity, but this school is going to foster cohesion and build strong relationships between the Pokot and Turkana communities by bringing their children together,” said Tumo.
He anticipates the school will boost enrollment in Pokot Central Sub-County and attract students from neighbouring counties.
He said a caretaker teacher has been deployed, and the TSC is expected to deploy more teachers soon to ensure smooth learning.
“We believe this modern facility will not only boost enrollment but also bring back children who had dropped out of school due to insecurity, poverty, and the long distances children travel to school. The community has been sensitized to embrace this opportunity and bring their children to school,” said the SDCC.
He said the school is part of a larger socio-economic development strategy to uplift the region through education and stability.
Sigor MP Peter Lochakopong also commended the project, thanking the national and county governments for prioritizing education in the remote area.
“We are grateful to the government for coming up with the idea of building this school in a place that truly needs it,” said the MP.
By Anthony Melly and Agneta Chebet
