Measures to Curb Insecurity Cases along Kerio Valley Outlined

By Benson Aswani,

Officials from the department dealing with arid areas in the country (ASAL) have visited West Pokot county in a move to highlight ways of dealing with the constant conflicts witnessed in the borders of the Kerio valley counties.

According to ASAL the conflicts witnessed in the region has been largely contributed by the struggle of resources in the region.

While speaking to Kalya Digital News after organizing a meeting with the officer in charge of the Disaster Department in West Pokot County David Chepelion, ASAL officer Metrine Too stated that the meeting is set to determine the steps that should be taken to deal with cases of insecurity.

“We have organized a meeting with the disaster department in the Governor’s office to get feedback on the steps we should take as a department to ensure that cases of insecurity in this county are stopped,” said Mrs. Too.

According to Chepelion, among the strategies that are expected to be put in place by the ASAL department is to ensure that the resources which has been fueling conflicts among the communities including pasture and water, are easily available.

“The talks we have had with the ASAL department are focused on making sure that the resources that have been contributing to our people’s fight, including animal feed and water, are easily available,” said Chepelion.

Similarly, his statement was emphasized by the Central Pokot Deputy Commissioner Jeremiah Tumo, who said the officers will help in identifying loopholes that has been leading to conflicts at the borders of the counties in order to find ways to close the loopholes.

“They are also going to help us in identifying the loopholes that we may have failed to fill as a county so that as we move forward, we can begin to recognize sustainable development in a broad way. We also have to embrace alternative ways of making a living so that we stop relying more on livestock,” said Tumo.

Meanwhile, the meeting which also involved religious leaders led by Rev. Simon Aleu, drew more conversation into the importance of leaders cooperation in ensuring insecurity issues are solved.

“There is a need for leaders from all conflicting parties to cooperate in finding a solution to this long-term problem,” said Rev. Aleu.