Ending conflict key to unlocking Tiaty potential

One of the most striking moments of my visit was presiding over a thanksgiving ceremony celebrating the exceptional academic achievements of Maron and Kolowa Mixed schools in last year’s KCSE examination.

Against all odds, 115 out of 123 Kolowa students attained C+ and above. In Maron High School, 49 out of 67 students also qualified for university. This milestone overturns the long-held narrative of educational stagnation in Tiaty. It is a testament to the resilience and determination of the youth, proving that with the right support, they can transcend historical hardships and shape a brighter future.

Education remains the most powerful tool for transformation, and the government has made strategic investments to entrench it as the foundation of progress in Tiaty. The North Rift Technical Institute in Chemolingot stands as a key institution in Tiaty West.

During my visit, I also broke ground for the construction of Kong’asis Teachers’ Training College in Choru—a crucial step in nurturing well-trained educators for future generations. Expanding access to quality education will equip Tiaty’s youth with the skills necessary for a modern economy, offering them viable alternatives to outdated practices that perpetuate debilitating conflict. Moreover, retrogressive customs such as the illegal female genital mutilation must be eradicated.

Kenya’s energy sector

Despite its rugged terrain and semi-arid climate, Tiaty holds significant economic promise. The Baringo-Silali geothermal project, under exploration by the Geothermal Development Company, has the potential to generate up to 100 megawatts of electricity, positioning the region as a key player in Kenya’s energy sector.

Similarly, Lakes Baringo and Bogoria present vast, untapped tourism opportunities. With targeted investments in infrastructure and security, both of which the government is actively pursuing, these natural resources can drive economic growth, create employment, and elevate living standards.

Livestock farming, the economic backbone of Tiaty, harbours immense untapped potential. Kenya already exports meat to the Arab world and Europe, and integrating Tiaty’s pastoralists into this value chain could be a game-changer. Modernising livestock farming, improving veterinary services, and establishing structured markets will enhance incomes and reduce reliance on traditional practices fuelling communal conflicts.

Irrigation is another transformative avenue, providing a stable and sustainable alternative to rain-fed agriculture. Projects like the Komolion Irrigation Scheme, with ongoing reticulation efforts in Natan and Topulen in Silale, can unlock vast agricultural potential. By integrating irrigation with modern farming techniques, Tiaty can transition to a more productive and sustainable economy while capitalising on its high-quality honey as another source of income.

The cultural heritage of the Pokot and other indigenous communities in Tiaty is an invaluable asset that, if harnessed properly, can drive economic prosperity while fostering unity and social cohesion. The Chepo Laleyo Cultural Festival, traditionally a celebration of the Pokot heritage, this year brought together the Marakwet, Tugen, and Ilchamus, exemplifying the region’s rich traditions and promoting inter-community dialogue. Establishing cultural centres and fostering partnerships with tour operators, researchers, and cultural institutions will not only create employment but also strengthen communal bonds, preserve invaluable customs, and position Tiaty as a hub of cultural heritage.

However, the spectre of insecurity has overshadowed Tiaty’s potential for far too long. Decades of inter-community hostilities have led to loss of lives, destruction to property, and stagnation of development. Infrastructure projects critical for unlocking economic opportunities have repeatedly been disrupted by insecurity. The completion of essential road networks will connect Tiaty to major economic hubs, facilitating trade and enhancing mobility for products.

Restoring peace

Since assuming office, President William Ruto's administration has prioritised restoring peace in Tiaty and the wider North Rift region. A multi-agency security operation has been launched to disarm criminal elements and dismantle deeply entrenched bandit networks. Security agencies have been reinforced, with new security camps enhancing surveillance and rapid response. Notably, these agencies have also been instrumental in constructing roads and water pans, demonstrating that security and development go hand in hand.

Beyond security interventions, the government is implementing strategic development initiatives aimed at fostering long-term stability. These include the expansion of education facilities, structured dialogues with community leaders to advance reconciliation, and the acceleration of road construction projects to enhance connectivity.

In 2023, President Ruto launched the Kenya Medical Training College in Chemolingot, which prepares young people for careers in the medical sector. The government’s approach is clear: sustainable peace must be underpinned by meaningful development.

Yet, real transformation cannot be achieved through government efforts alone. It demands a collective commitment from the community, its leadership, and all stakeholders. The people of Tiaty must recognise that peace is not merely the absence of war but the foundation of enduring prosperity. Without peace, there can be no education, no economic development, and no future.

The youth of Tiaty and the entire region must be shielded from the cycle of violence and empowered to define a new destiny, one of hope, opportunity, and progress. It is time for Tiaty to rise, not as a region synonymous with conflict, but as a beacon of resilience and development in Kenya’s North Rift.

The government, under the leadership of His Excellency the President, stands resolute in its commitment to this transformation, ensuring that Tiaty’s full potential is realised and that its people can harness the opportunities they so rightfully deserve.

Mr Koskei is the Head of Public Service.