Female Leaders From Kerio Valley Express Fear Over The Fate Of Girl Child Education

By Benson Aswani,

Female leaders in West Pokot County have expressed concern over insecurity at the border areas of West Pokot County and the neighboring Turkana County.

Led by Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) women representative West Pokot branch Fridah Arusho, the leaders said that women and children are the most affected by insecurity cases.

They expressed concern about the fate of girl child education in volatile areas, as many of the girls are forced to drop out of school and get married.

“Security at the borders of West Pokot and Turkana counties is worsening daily. If this situation continues, the fate of girl child education is at stake as many of them are forced to drop out of school and get married,” said Mrs. Arusho.

They added that the increased tension has forced many of the residents to flee their homes, and have to walk for long distances in search of safer places, a situation that puts girls at risk of falling victim to early pregnancy.

“Insecurity situations have led to many residents fleeing their homes in fear of attacks from bandits. Many are forced to walk for long distances, a situation that increases the risk of early pregnancies in girls,” she remarked.

The women leaders are now calling on the government to put in strategies that will ensure lasting peace at the borders of the two counties, and provide a conducive environment for children in those areas to exercise their right to education.

“We appeal to the government to address this situation as fast as possible. Children from these areas also have a right to education in a safer environment as it is to children in other places of the country,” she said.