How KDF schools’ rehabilitation programme could help Laikipia break banditry cycle

Laikipia’s ongoing struggle against banditry is expanding beyond traditional security measures, as the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) are investing in rebuilding school infrastructure to help restore stability in regions plagued by years of violence, livestock theft, and disrupted education. The military, under the Ministry of Defence, has been enhancing classroom facilities and essential amenities in schools in Laikipia West and Laikipia North, where communities around Laikipia Conservancy and Mukogodo Forest have faced persistent insecurity.

This initiative stems from a presidential directive to bolster schools in areas impacted by banditry.

Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru, who oversees the programme, emphasized the link between infrastructure development and the need to safeguard education, ensuring students have a conducive learning environment. “The President ordered that bandits should be wiped out in the Mukogodo forest and schools adjacent to the forest be improved.

The head of state wants students to have a conducive learning environment,” Mariru stated. The rehabilitation efforts have touched numerous schools across Laikipia, though the exact total number of completed projects remains unclear.

In April 2025, President William Ruto inaugurated refurbished classrooms at Ngarachi Comprehensive School as part of the Ministry of Defence’s programme, which initially targeted nine schools in Laikipia. Other schools included Kirima, Nyakinyua, Mahua, Muteta, Thigio, Gatirima, Ngare, Mwenje, and Milimani primary schools. In February 2026, Mariru visited Marura Narok Comprehensive School, where renovations included flooring, window panes, painting, and the installation of water tanks for the primary and junior secondary sections.

The programme further expanded in July 2026 with the launch of construction and renovation works in ten primary schools in Laikipia North, targeting areas prone to insecurity such as Tiamamut, Jikaze, Ngenia, Bokish, and Endana.

In October 2026, additional completed projects were reported in Laikipia West, including the construction of new classrooms, renovation of learning spaces, kitchens, administration blocks, and pit latrines at Lembus, Karandi, Gituamba, Uaso Narok, and Nagum comprehensive schools. The KDF’s programme aims to provide children with safer and more functional learning environments, which, combined with adequate staffing and learning materials, can boost attendance and help learners complete their basic education.

However, education infrastructure alone cannot eradicate banditry, which is fueled by factors such as livestock theft, competition over resources, illegal firearms, and organized crime. To address these issues, the KDF rehabilitation programme must be complemented by effective security operations, justice, peacebuilding, and sustainable economic opportunities.

While the programme offers a pathway to restoring normalcy, its success will depend on the availability of teachers, learning materials, maintenance budgets, reliable water supplies, and ongoing support for student welfare. Community involvement is crucial in identifying needs and ensuring the functional longevity of renovated facilities.

Ultimately, the long-term security of Laikipia hinges not only on the number of classrooms rebuilt but also on whether learners remain in school and communities experience sustained improvements in safety and livelihoods.