Teachers' unions have asked the government to step up security around more than 100 schools in Kerio Valley region ahead of the national exams next month.
Kenya National Union of Teachers and Kenya Union of Post Primary Teachers said the security situation in the region was yet to improve, citing recent attacks targeting teachers and students.
Speaking in Eldoret, Knut's first national trustee Boniface Tenai said unless the situation is addressed, many children might miss KCPE and KCSE.
Tenai said only the government had capacity to deal with the attackers, but it was not acting as required.
The unions have threatened to shut down schools in the region if the security situation remains volatile.
The meeting was attended by Kuppet and Knut officials from Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Samburu and Baringo which are the worst affected along with others from Uasn Gishu, Trans Nzoia and Nandi branches.
Elgeyo Marakwet Knut executive secretary John Cheberi and Baringo Kuppet executive Secretary Zecharia Nyomboi said the teachers will withdraw their services in solidarity with their colleagues who have lost their lives in hands of armed bandits.
The officials said most primary and secondary schools along the Kerio Valley, which borders Baringo, West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet have been deserted due to frequent banditry attacks that are now being carried out in broad daylight.
“Learners, among them KCPE and KCSE candidates, have fled with their parents to safer areas due to fear of continued attacks that have become the order of the day,” Cheberi said.
Elegyo Marakwet Kuppet executive Secretary Paul Biwott accused the government of not taking the issue of security in the affected region seriously.
“This is no longer banditry but intentional criminal acts because when they target school buses, [it means] they know very well those in the vehicles are people and not cows,” Biwott said.
(edited by Amol Awuor)
