The County Government of West Pokot is promoting peace and education through the Peace Border Schools initiative. Conflict between the neighboring Counties over control of resources has made many students to abandon school due to insecurity issues.
These frequent conflicts among the pastoral communities have also turned the neighbours into enemies competing for pasture and water. To promote safe coexistence between communities in West Pokot, Turkana, Marakwet, Trans Nzoia and those living near the border of Kenya and Uganda, the County Government has carried out meetings with local community leaders to inform them of the importance of enrolling their children in the Peace Border Schools.
The project has involved the construction of eight classrooms, an admission block, toilets and two dormitories, hence bringing a peaceful coexistence between pupils who sleep, eat and study in the same rooms despite their backgrounds. This initiative has also brought teachers and parents together to not only talk about matters affecting their children but also to discuss the way forward on issues affecting them as people. The Peace Border Schools have encouraged shared economic activities among the communities like the trade of cattle between parents who meet in schools.
What initiative is your county undertaking to promote peace?