On the first day of the new school term, many classrooms in parts of Transmara remained half-empty as fear and uncertainty continued to grip families emerging from weeks of violence and displacement.
Although schools officially reopened today, learner turnout was noticeably low, with parents citing insecurity and the ongoing dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed by the government as major obstacles to a smooth resumption of learning.
The curfew, introduced to allow security agencies to recover illegal firearms and crack down on individuals linked to recent clashes, has restored relative calm but also deepened anxiety among residents. The curfew was announced in the following areas Oldonyo-Orok, Siteti, Ololoma, Corner, Ratiki, Isokon, Karinkani, Kondamet, Olkiloriti, Angata Barrikoi, Kapkeres, Lolgorian Town, Mashangwa and Sachangwan. Teachers and learners say the heavy security operations, while necessary, have left many families living in fear.
At Sankale Primary School, one of the institutions that hosted displaced families for weeks, classrooms were only recently vacated as residents slowly returned to their villages. Some desks and learning materials were still scattered.
“We are trying to resume learning, but the children are not settled,” said a Miriam, teacher at Maranatha primary school. “They are fearful, distracted and not mentally prepared. Concentration in class is very low.”
Many learners returned to school without proper preparation, having spent weeks away from home while their families sought refuge in schools and other safe areas. Parents say the emotional toll of displacement and insecurity has made it difficult to adequately prepare children for the new term.
“I want my child to learn, but we are still afraid,” said Rael Birot, a parent in Angata Barikoi. “We hear gunshots stories, arrests and movements at night. Preparing children for school under such fear takes time.”
The situation is more dire for some children whose parents are still in hiding following the security crackdown. Local leaders say a number of parents fled their homes fearing arrest, leaving children in the care of relatives or completely alone.
“Some children have come to school without parents or guardians,” said Ken Makworo, Oloshur headteacher. “They are confused, traumatized and lack basic school requirements. Learning cannot happen effectively in such conditions.”
Parents and community members are now appealing to the government to intensify security not only to recover firearms but also to guarantee the safety of teachers, learners and families as normal life gradually resumes.
Education stakeholders warn that unless sustained security and psychosocial support are provided, the region risks prolonged learning disruption, increased absenteeism and potential dropouts.
As lessons slowly begin in Transmara, the reopening of schools has exposed a deeper crisis, one where the classroom remains a reflection of a community still struggling to heal from violence and fear.
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