Transmara-Kisii clashes: Schools disrupted as fear grips the region

Schools on the Transmara-Kisii border remained empty on Monday, August 24, 2026, as the third term commenced nationwide. Students avoided attending due to fear of clashes disrupting their education. Kenyenya Deputy County Commissioner William Kaibet urged parents to send their children to school, assuring them that security measures were in place, stating, "Tunatoa wito kwa wazazi ambao hawajaleta watoto kwa shule, wawalete.

Tunawahakikishia hakuna mtu ataguza mtoto wa shule." The violence erupted along the border, resulting in deaths and injuries, and caused residents to live in terror, disrupting daily life, including transport, farming, and business.

Security forces intensified their operations following the clashes, advising locals not to bring weapons and attack neighboring communities. The confrontations involved youths from both sides, causing damage to farms, crops, and businesses. Richard Mainga, a Kiango resident, noted the impact on farmers and traders who rely on the border area for their livelihoods, saying, "Sasa tumeathirika mboga zetu ziko hapa hapa Manzaini mboga yetu imeharibikia huko kila kitu imeharibika mahindi imeharibika biashara pia imeathirika kabisa."

Kisii County Commissioner James Kamau held an emergency meeting with security officers from Kisii and Narok counties to address the situation and coordinate efforts to restore calm. He confirmed that authorities had identified individuals believed to be behind the violence and were taking action. Kamau urged parents and community leaders to restrain youths and help prevent further confrontations, stating, "Mbona msiwakanye hao vijana mambo ambayo ndio nitatengeneza hapa sio mazuri na haiifai hata kidogo," emphasizing that he would not tolerate this.