The operation was launched by the national government in September 2015 to flush out militants.
Elungata directed the Teachers Service Commission to ensure enough teachers are stationed in schools to ensure learning resumes promptly so Boni area children have access to education like their counterparts nationwide.
“The government is more than confident in the security of this area. We will, therefore, reopen all the five schools by January 1 next year. We are well prepared," Elungata said.
He asked education officials to liaise with the TSC to determine whether some schools can be converted into boarding schools.
Governor Fahim Twaha praised the government for restoring security and re-opening the schools. "The move wouldn’t have come at a better time," he said.
He urged parents to send their children to school.
“We appreciate efforts made by the government and our security agencies who risked their lives combing the Boni Forest to ensure all criminal elements are eliminated,” Twaha said.
Lamu Woman Representative Ruweida Obbo asked the government to deploy teachers from the Boni community. She said many have graduated from teaching colleges while many others are still in training.
Search for Common Ground country director Judy Kimamo and Kiunga Youth Bunge Initiative executive director Noor Daher appealed to the Boni community to cooperate with the government in ensuring development.
The organisations have been working to reduce violent extremism and advocate for reopening schools.
“Today marks a significant milestone. Communities previously been off from the education system are now able to enjoy their rights, thanks to collaboration among us in the civil society, the county government and security agents,” Kimamo said.
Edited by R.Wamochie
