KDF to set up barracks in North Rift counties hit by bandits

KDF officers along Kapedo- Kolowa road in Tiaty ,Baringo county, on October 11, 2017. [File, Standard] Plans are underway to establish six military barracks along the borders of Baringo, Turkana, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, and Samburu counties. Authorities indicate that the move aims to curb the perennial bandit attacks that have plagued the North Rift region. Baringo County Executive Committee member for Lands Reuben Rutto told The Standard that the military had mapped out the proposed locations based on the county's request. A military team, led by Brig (Rtd) Foustine Sirera, chair of the Ministerial Ad Hoc Committee on Military Lands, and Brigadier Cleopas Mundui, visited the designated areas last week. Rutto said that the establishment of the barracks will help secure a buffer zone in areas of Baringo County that are prone to insecurity. "We responded to a request from the governor and Baringo political leaders to the military for the establishment of a security buffer zone. The military visited for a week and conducted mapping in accordance with their procedures," he said. Mukutani, Kapedo, and parts of Tiaty have been identified as viable locations for the barracks due to the vast, uninhabited land available. The military will recommend specific sites, after which public participation will begin. "The compensation for affected families, whether in kind or cash, will follow. Establishing the barracks will be a game changer for the communities by bringing development, corporate social responsibility, and helping to contain insecurity," Rutto explained. However, some politicians have opposed the plans for personal interests. The military is focusing on the border counties, which have been afflicted by banditry and is seeking 80,000 hectares across these areas. A military representative said that fieldwork and mapping has already commenced, and the team has toured West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Turkana, and Samburu to address insecurity, promote development, and assist in opening the region. Since then, the military has garnered support from political leaders who are now embracing the initiative. Initially, the military faced backlash in Baringo, particularly from Tiaty MP William Kamket, who opposed the establishment of the barracks. Security expert Prof. Erick Bor, speaking at Egerton University, emphasized that establishing barracks is a strategic move for the military. He noted that having barracks will enhance coordination and mobilization efforts. "Given the historical background of banditry, this is a strategically sound decision; it is long overdue and should be implemented now," Bor stated. Tirioko MCA Sam Lokales welcomed the idea and called for public participation. "In Tirioko, areas such as Akoret, Kapau, Kongor, and Kasarani have been gazetted. We don't have a problem with this, but we need clarity on where our livestock will graze and access water. We have concerns, but if they present us with a good plan after consultation through public participation, we will not reject it," the MCA said. Bishop Titus Masika expressed his support for the establishment of the barracks, but emphasized the need for comprehensive strategies to address systemic issues. He called for efforts to demarginalize the area, improve livelihoods, enhance education, change mindsets, and promote religious activities.

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KDF to set up barracks in North Rift counties hit by bandits

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