Farming thrives in villages once ravaged by banditry
Farmer Ikal Nakuro dries her maize in Elelea village, West Pokot County. Households that have taken to crop farming as an alternative source of livelihood want to be supported with certified seeds, training and tools.
The border between Turkana and West Pokot counties has been the scene of bloody conflict for decades.
The situation has led to killings, displacement and destruction of property, with farmers, motorists, children and security personnel bearing the brunt.
However, drones used in Maliza Uhalifu – an operation by the National Police Service and the Kenya Defence Forces – are helping to pacify the border area.
Locals say the resumption of uninterrupted activities on the Kapenguria-Lokichar road, farming, gold mining, the repair of vandalised schools and the resumption of education are among the successes of the security operation.
Mr James Ekadeli, a resident of Loyapat village in Aroo sub-county, said despite the peaceful co-existence, pastoralists who have lost their animals to bandits and drought are still vulnerable.
“Victims of attacks now rely on relief food. The county and national governments need to revamp livestock restocking so that families can rebuild their lives,” he told the Daily Nation.
He added that households that have taken up crop farming as an alternative source of livelihood should be provided with certified seeds, training and tools, especially during this long rainy season.
“I lost my animals to bandits before being recruited as a police reservist. Because the security situation has stabilised, and with necessary support, I will encourage my two wives to start growing maize and other crops. It is the best solution to food insecurity,” Mr Ekadeli said.
Aroo Deputy County Commissioner Yusuf Salat said the people of the West Pokot-Turkana border have heeded calls for peace and co-existence.
“No banditry-related capital crimes have been reported in Aroo since October last year. Residents have reopened their businesses, attracting investors who are mining gold in Lami Nyeusi,” he said.
“Before that, cattle theft and highway attacks were the norm. Many other residents now engage in small-scale farming and manyatta shop businesses.”
Residents of Nakwamoru village are also pleading for development after winning the battle against cattle rustling.
The village recorded many attacks before the security agencies launched the operation. Mr Victor Lochee, a resident of the village on the banks of River Turkwel, said Nakwamoru suffered many attacks because it lies on an escape route favoured by cattle rustlers from Turkana and West Pokot counties.
“Locals heading to farms or shopping centres on the Kainuk-Lokichar road were targeted by attackers who had failed in their cattle theft missions,” Mr Lochee said.
He added that irrigation projects aimed at addressing food insecurity had stalled because of the raids.
“Now that the situation has improved, we plead with the government to revive the irrigation projects and build roads to promote trade. There should also be integrated social projects like hospitals and schools,” he said.
Kaputir MCA Michael Aemun said attacks increase during school holidays, adding that the raids are carried out by idle young men.
“The two devolved governments should initiate and support sports during holidays since these provide platforms for young people to interact and commit to promoting peace,” Mr Aemun said.
He added that roads leading to border villages have potholes that slow vehicles down, while thickets serve as hideouts for criminals.
Manyatta shops in Kaputir, Lorogon and Kapelbok villages have limited stock, with traders saying insecurity has affected all sources of income.
Aroo Sub-County Professionals chairman Peter Lolem said the association promotes sports in the border region.
Turkana Agriculture Executive Wangiros Longole said the devolved government was committed to taking advantage of the relative peace to rebuild livelihoods.