• Schools are set to reopen for the first term of the new calendar year on Monday.
• President William Ruto had ordered the security situation be addressed and schools be reopened.
Adequate measures have been put in place and security strengthened to ensure schools in the troubled Kerio Valley reopen next week.
Schools are set to reopen for the first term of the new calendar year on Monday, January 23.
Insecurity caused by bandit attacks has left families displaced and schools closed in most parts of the Kerio Valley towards the end of last term.
However, the National Police Service on Thursday said every school in the volatile area has been assigned 10 armed National Police Reservists in addition to regular police patrols.
Rift Valley regional police commander Tom Odero said they have put in place measures to address the insecurity menace.
“The area is generally pacified and conducive for school reopening and normal business activities,” he said.
President William Ruto had ordered the security situation be addressed and schools be reopened.
On Thursday, Odero led a combined operation in Baringo county, specifically Chemorongion, Kapindasum, Mukutani and Arabal areas.
The areas generally have poor road and communication networks which pose a challenge to the multi-agency team.
To further contain the menace of banditry and cattle rustling, an additional 200 NPRs are being vetted and the process is at an advanced stage.
Odero addressed security officers at Arabal GSU camp where he took them through mental preparedness as the operation, which commenced two weeks ago, goes on.
"It's worthwhile to note that the officers are well-equipped with the basic operation materials/logistics. Also to note is that several attacks have been repulsed previously," Odero said.
The long-term aim of the operation is to sustain peace in the area and its environs for schools and other businesses to operate optimally.
Odero presented an assortment of food stuff, fuel and other logistical support to the operation personnel.
Dozens of people have been killed and others displaced in attacks by gunmen in the area.