Residents of Sosian Ward in Laikipia County have welcomed the rehabilitation of schools that had been adversely affected by banditry, lauding national and local leaders for restoring learning infrastructure and improving security in the region.
The praise was expressed during an inspection tour of the newly renovated Marura Narok Comprehensive School, where Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru presided over the event as chief guest. The school was refurbished by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) following a directive from President William Ruto to rehabilitate institutions disrupted by insecurity.
Mariru said the school had been in a deplorable condition before the facelift, which included fresh painting, installation of new flooring, fitting of window panes and provision of water tanks to serve both the primary and junior secondary sections. He noted that restoration of the facilities was part of broader efforts to normalise learning in Laikipia East and North, areas that experienced school closures due to bandit attacks.
“With security restored, it is important that our children return to safe and conducive learning environments. Education remains a key pillar of development,” Mariru said, adding that more schools in Laikipia East would soon undergo similar rehabilitation. He also disclosed plans to renovate Nanyuki Stadium to enhance sports development in the county.
Residents commended Laikipia North Member of Parliament Sarah Korere for lobbying for the rehabilitation programme and facilitating electricity connectivity in Sosian Ward. They said access to electricity had improved livelihoods, boosted small businesses and enhanced learning conditions in schools.
However, community members appealed for the establishment of a boarding school to accommodate children from pastoralist families who frequently migrate in search of pasture. They said constant movement disrupts learners’ academic calendars, affecting performance and school retention.
Laikipia West Deputy County Commissioner David Bowen confirmed that the transition to Grade 10 under the Competency-Based Curriculum had been successfully implemented in the area. He pledged continued collaboration with stakeholders to transform attitudes toward education and increase school enrolment.
The event also took a political tone, with leaders affiliated to the United Democratic Alliance expressing support for President Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.
Korere defended pastoralists’ right to graze livestock on government land during drought, describing them as custodians of the region. She reaffirmed her commitment to connecting more schools to electricity and improving access to essential services.
Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri called for peace and cohesion among communities, saying unity would strengthen the region’s voice in lobbying for national development resources. He pledged to prioritise road improvements through his role in Parliament’s Roads Committee and hinted at a possible gubernatorial bid.
Laikipia Woman Representative Jane Kagiri said leaders from the region would continue working with the government to secure development projects rather than joining the opposition.
The leaders reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening education infrastructure and accelerating socio-economic development across Laikipia County.
by Antony Mwangi
