Is banditry menace in Baringo beyond Government control?

No, the Government has always been at the forefront putting in place security measures to contain banditry along the Kerio valley belt, which stretches to Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet counties. Short term measures currently seen in the Valley include the continued strengthening of police presence and an indicator that the banditry menace will soon be under control. Locals now have a chance to defend their interests after being enlisted as police reservists.

We are glad of Government interventions through enhanced National Police Reservist Programme, and we fully support the strategies in ensuring that the region is peaceful.
The State has continued to demonstrate leadership through site visits in the affected areas and recruiting more security personnel.

The Government's pledge to establish a fund meant to compensate persons who have lost their livestock to banditry is also a move that will bring reconciliation in the area which I personally think will play a big role in ending to the vice. But in the long run, there is need to invest in infrastructure that will eventually see the opening up of Kerio Valley that borders Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.

The region is fertile and establishing irrigation schemes and encouraging locals to invest in farming will cut short the outdated practices of cattle rustling. Organisations such as Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) have been at the forefront providing seeds and skills on various crops but due to runaway insecurity, most of the fruitful projects have been abandoned. It can however be revisited when the Government pacifies the area.

Mr Murkomen is Senator, Elgeyo Marakwet.