For students at Cheptulel Boys Secondary School in West Pokot County, the restoration of peace meant a chance to return to their classrooms and continue an education interrupted by insecurity. The school’s reopening in January 2025 marked an important step towards recovery for a community whose children had paid a heavy price for conflict.
Situated near the West Pokot–Elgeyo Marakwet border, Cheptulel Boys had suffered the effects of banditry and cattle rustling. Families withdrew their children, teachers sought transfers, and learning was displaced to other institutions. Buildings left unused deteriorated, while vandalism and theft further weakened the school’s ability to serve its community
Yet the school had been established with a vision that reached beyond education. Alongside its motto, “Rise and Excel”, it carried the peace slogan “The Peacemaker”. According to principal James Koitilo, its founders hoped to bring children from neighbouring communities together, helping build relationships across boundaries long affected by conflict.To him safety has improved that the students can move around and study even at night.
The road back involved both security operations and efforts to rebuild trust. National security agencies, local authorities, community leaders and peace organisations worked to create conditions that would allow displaced learners to return. Government intervention also helped restore the learning environment.The Late Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla visited Cheptulel Boys High School in West Pokot County on April 18, 2024, as part of a working tour to inspect school reconstruction projects and security operations under Operation Maliza Uhalifu in the North Rift region . The schools enrollment has improved gradually, indicating that families are beginning to regain confidence in the school.On January 25, 2025, 73 students had resumed learning at Cheptulel Boys after studying temporarily in Surumben.
Recovery, however, required more than reopening the gates. Some parents remained hesitant, and school officials called for continued protection to preserve the progress made. Their concerns showed why lasting peace depends on sustained security, community cooperation and reliable support for learning.
Cheptulel Boys’ story illustrates what peace makes possible. A functioning school gives young people hope of a future, the learners at Cheptulel boys are confident they can now pursue their careers, Protecting that opportunity is essential to the community’s recovery and to the school’s founding hope that education can help neighbours live together in peace.
