- Kenya and Uganda have resolved to construct primary schools along their borders
- The initiative is expected to enable pastoralists’ children from both sides of the divide to attain better education
- The decision was arrived at after it was discovered that many pastoralists’ children missed school due to long distances. Find out which specific areas are being targeted
Good news for parents and children from the pastoralist communities as the governments of Kenya and Uganda plan to construct primary schools along the Kenya-Uganda border to enable the children access quality education.
The two governments reportedly made the decision during the recent cross border peace meeting held in Moroto district.
Mr John Byabagambi, minister in charge of Karamoja Affairs, said building joint cross-border schools would also help to cement the relationship between Karamojong pastoralists and the Turkana.
“We want to see the Karamojong and Turkana children live as brothers and sisters,” he said.
As of today, Karamoja region reportedly has over 90,000 Turkana pastoralists who crossed with their children and livestock in search of water and pasture.
The pastoralists are mainly in the areas of Moroto, Kotido and Kaabong.
Mr Byabagambi proposes that the Turkana pastoralists grazing in Uganda be given both Uganda and Kenya National Identity cards for easy identification.
Mr Josephat Nanok, the governor of Turkana County, hailed the Uganda government for hosting hundreds of the Turkana and thousands of their livestock to graze in the country.
The governor said there are many pastoralists’ children who miss school due to the long distances they have to travel to and from school.
But there is now hope for a better future for these kids.
Watch video of pupils studying under tree amid cows:
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