- Residents of Yatia village in Baringo North celebrated after receiving the area’s first-ever school bus, donated to Yatia Mixed Secondary School
- Years of persistent banditry forced families to flee, led to the closure of 19 schools, and disrupted education in the once-thriving community
- Residents described the new school bus as a symbol of hope, saying improved security has encouraged displaced families to return home
Celebrations filled the air in Yatia village, Baringo North, Baringo county, as residents received the area’s first-ever school bus.
Source: Facebook
The bus was donated to Yatia Mixed Secondary School, marking a renewed sense of hope for younger generations in the banditry-prone region.
For several years, the village became almost deserted due to persistent banditry attacks that forced families to flee, led to the closure of 19 schools and crippled economic activity.
With no public transport available, learners relied on security vehicles to get to school, while many stayed at home for fear of their safety.
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Against this backdrop, the arrival of the school bus sparked emotional celebrations among residents. More than just a means of transport for students, the bus has become a powerful symbol of hope and recovery for the future of Baringo North.
Jennifer Chesaro, a resident of Yatia, expressed her joy during the celebrations, saying many families had become internally displaced because of the attacks.
“Our children could not even go to school. They dropped out because of insecurity, and we were forced to leave our homes. But now we are hopeful for peace with this bus,” she said.
During the thanksgiving ceremony, Yatia Chief Jackson Keitany said residents who had previously fled the area had begun returning home.
According to the chief, the improved security situation is restoring normalcy and giving families confidence to rebuild their lives.
“We want to say thank you because all the schools that had been closed are now open. We also ask the government to help ensure the peace we are enjoying continues,” said resident Christine Kibure.
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Kibure also thanked the government for donating two goats to every household to help families rebuild their livelihoods through livestock keeping.
Meanwhile, Baringo North MP Joseph Makilap said 131 illegal firearms had already been surrendered, adding that local residents were cooperating with the government to restore lasting peace.
“Today marked yet another historic and memorable milestone for the Yatia Senior School fraternity, parents, students and the entire community as we officially handed over a brand-new school bus. This achievement is more than the delivery of a vehicle; it is an investment in the future of our children. The school bus will enhance access to education, improve the safety of our learners and inspire them to pursue academic excellence,” said Makilap.
Source: NGBREAKINGNEWS
