For generations, the mention of Kerio Valley evoked images of fear as villages emptied by bandit attacks, children missing school because of gunfire, and families burying loved ones caught in cycles of cattle raids and revenge killings.
The rugged landscape that in the North Rift had earned a grim nickname- ‘the valley of death’.
But on Friday, the valley echoed with a different sound. Traditional songs replaced the crackle of gunfire as elders, women and youth from six counties danced hand in hand in Kolowa, celebrating a peace many had feared would never come.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen boards a motorcycle during the commissioning of the distribution of more than 81 motorcycles to chiefs in Kerio Valley on July 24, 2026 to enhance mobility.
Photo credit: Florah Koech | Nation
Former rivals embraced, warriors laid down old suspicions, and colourful cultural performances transformed the once-troubled valley into a stage of hope. It was more than a celebration, a declaration that a region scarred by decades of bloodshed is ready to turn the page.
Speaking when he officiated the launch of the newly established Kolowa Sub-County in Tiaty, Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen declared that the government was shifting its focus from security operations to development, unveiling an ambitious master plan aimed at transforming Kerio Valley through irrigation, roads, education, healthcare, improved government services and economic empowerment.
“The time has come for Kerio Valley to be known not for conflict but for opportunity because peace had finally opened the door for investments that had long been impossible,” said CS Murkomen.
The announcement marked a significant milestone in a region that has for decades borne the brunt of banditry, cattle rustling and inter-communal violence.
Parts of Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu and neighbouring counties, Kerio Valley, had become synonymous with insecurity, leaving hundreds dead, displacing thousands of families and stalling development.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen commissioning the distribution of more than 81 motorcycles to chiefs in Kerio Valley on July 24, 2026 to enhance mobility.
Photo credit: Florah Koech | Nation
The CS credited the gains to the ongoing multi-agency security operation involving the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), the National Police Service, the National Police Reservists, the National Intelligence Service and national government administration officers.
He said the coordinated approach had significantly reduced attacks, enabled residents to return to their homes and restored confidence among communities that had lived under constant fear.
Although the government is now shifting its attention to development, he stressed that the security operation will continue until every illegal firearm is recovered.
“The operation teams will remain in this region. We will reinforce security personnel in Samburu, Baringo and Turkana and by December we will have tripled our efforts. We will not relent until all illegal firearms are recovered,” he said.
As part of efforts to strengthen government presence in remote areas, the Interior CS flagged off 81 motorcycles for chiefs serving across Kerio Valley.
The motorcycles are expected to improve mobility for the administrators, enabling them to reach isolated villages more quickly, enhance service delivery and respond swiftly to security threats.
He also announced the establishment of Kolowa Sub-County, saying the new administrative unit would bring government services closer to residents while consolidating the security gains achieved over the past two years.
“This is not merely the establishment of another administrative unit. It is part of correcting decades of historical marginalization that affected this region and other underserved parts of the country. It demonstrates our commitment to bringing government services closer to the people,” he noted.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen joins traditional dancers from Chepturu, Kerio Valley during the launch of the new Kolowa Sub-County in Tiaty on July 24, 2026.
Photo credit: Florah Koech | Nation
He also indicated that in Baringo County alone, the government has operationalised two divisions, nine locations, 25 sub-locations and three sub-counties to improve administration and service delivery.
The CS commended residents, particularly those in Tiaty, for voluntarily surrendering illegal firearms and working closely with security agencies.
“We have secured this Kerio Valley belt because of the unwavering support of local communities who have partnered with security agencies. The voluntary surrender of firearms and information shared by residents has played a critical role in restoring stability,” said Murkomen.
He noted that the government was now preparing a comprehensive master plan for Kerio Valley that will focus on opening security roads, reviving irrigation schemes, expanding schools, improving healthcare services and creating economic opportunities to ensure peace is sustained.
Among the plans is the revival of irrigation projects along the Kerio River, which leaders believe will reduce overreliance on livestock, long regarded as both a source of livelihood and a trigger for cattle raids.
“We want every child in this region to go to school because education is the surest way to end the cycle of stock theft and banditry. Through education, we will transform this region,” he said.
Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya said the remarkable progress witnessed in Kerio Valley was the result of a whole-of-government approach that combined military operations, policing, intelligence gathering and community engagement.
She said peace should not only be measured by the reduction in attacks but by tangible improvements in the lives of residents.
“The true measure of our success will be children returning to school, citizens moving freely without fear, reliable access to water, improved livelihoods and renewed trust between communities and the government,” said Ms Tuya.
She said the Kenya Defence Forces would continue supporting civilian agencies through humanitarian programmes, including constructing and rehabilitating schools, drilling boreholes, reopening security roads and supporting development projects.
“We are complementing security operations with human-centered interventions because lasting peace can only be achieved when communities experience development alongside security,” she said.
She urged residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by sharing intelligence to safeguard the fragile peace.
Mt Elgon MP Fred Kapondi said sustainable development would only be possible if all illegal firearms were removed from civilian hands.
“Business and development cannot thrive where there is no peace. We fully support the government’s efforts to recover all illegal guns and restore lasting stability across the North Rift,” said Kapondi.
Mogotio MP Reuben Kiborek described the silence of guns across Kerio Valley as one of the greatest achievements witnessed in the region in decades.
“For the first time in many years, families are living peacefully like other Kenyans. We appreciate the commitment shown by the government in restoring order. Now it is time to open up this region through development because insecurity has kept us behind for far too long,” said Kiborek.
Turkana Senator James Lomenen said leaders from formerly hostile communities had embraced peace and were now working together.
“It is difficult to believe that communities which fought each other for decades are today living peacefully. We now realize how many years we wasted stealing livestock from one another instead of pursuing development. Our children deserve education and our people deserve better livelihoods,” noted Senator Lomenen.
Tirioko MCA Sam Lokales urged the government to prioritise the revival of the Kolowa Irrigation Scheme, saying it would provide employment, improve food security and offer alternative livelihoods for reformed former bandits.
“The irrigation scheme will transform both Pokot and Marakwet communities. It supported many families before insecurity disrupted its operations, and reviving it will be a game changer,” he said.
Baringo North MP Joseph Makilap also appealed to the government to sustain the security operation until all illegal firearms were recovered.
“For more than a year, our people have resumed their normal lives because of the peace that has been restored. We urge the government to remain firm so that this menace is eliminated once and for all,” said Makilap.
