Leaders in Baringo County have commended the government for restoring peace in areas once plagued by banditry and cattle rustling, saying the calm has opened the door for renewed investment and socio‑economic growth.
Governor Benjamin Cheboi, speaking at the Kabarnet Museum grounds, said insecurity had for years denied residents the chance to enjoy development and discouraged visitors from coming to the county. He recalled that during his first term in 2013, Baringo was grappling with severe unrest that kept both local and foreign visitors away.
“Insecurity has for a long time denied our people the opportunity to enjoy development. It discouraged investment and even made visitors fear coming to Baringo,” Cheboi said.
The governor credited the multi‑sectoral approach adopted by the government for sustaining peace over the past year. He thanked President William Ruto for fulfilling his 2022 campaign pledge to end insecurity in the Kerio Valley region.
“I want to thank President Ruto because he assured Baringo residents during the campaigns that he would end the insecurity menace, and he has kept that promise,” Cheboi said.
ALSO READ:
Farmers shift to family and digital lenders as bank, SACCO credit drops despite CBK easing
Deputy Governor Eng. Felix Kimaiyo echoed the sentiments, noting that the stability will help revive tourism, one of the county’s key economic sectors that had been crippled by violence.
“With the peaceful coexistence we are now enjoying, we expect tourism to grow tremendously,” said Kimaiyo, who also serves as Acting County Executive Committee Member for Tourism.
County Commissioner Stephen Kutwa said the situation has drastically improved compared to last year, when residents in insecurity‑prone areas faced frequent deaths, property losses, and poor emergency response. He assured residents that multi‑agency teams have been deployed to safeguard lives and property during the festive season.
Kutwa attributed part of the progress to the national amnesty programme, which has so far seen the surrender of 561 illegal firearms and 1,600 bullets across the county.
“We continue to encourage residents to voluntarily surrender illicit weapons to their chiefs or nearby police stations, and they will not be victimized,” he said.
ALSO READ:
KWS banks on new technology to secure wildlife and boost tourism
The commissioner also recognized outgoing County Police Commander Julius Kiragu for stabilizing the region during his three‑year tenure. Kiragu, set to retire in January after 38 years of service, was praised for his dedication and resilience.
“You are our hero in this county. We appreciate the tremendous work you have done in ensuring security,” Kutwa said.
Kutwa challenged other officers to emulate Kiragu’s commitment as the county works to sustain lasting peace. Leaders agreed that the improved security environment now provides a foundation for development projects aimed at transforming livelihoods across Baringo.
By Kimutai Langat
Get more stories from our website: Sacco Review.
For comments and clarifications, write to: Saccoreview@
Kindly follow us via our social media pages on Facebook: Sacco Review Newspaper for timely updates
Stay ahead of the pack! Grab the latest Sacco Review newspaper!
