Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya has commissioned Mouwakar Primary School in Laikipia North, one of 11 schools constructed by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) following a directive by President William Ruto to improve access to education in the region.
The school comprises seven classrooms and an administration block, providing additional learning facilities for children in the remote area.
Speaking during the commissioning on Friday, November 13, 2026, Tuya said the project was part of the government’s efforts to ensure communities in underserved areas benefit from development initiatives available in other parts of the country.
She said the President directed the Ministry of Defence to mobilise the military to construct schools in Laikipia North following requests from local leaders.
KDF builds 11 schools
Tuya said the construction of the schools reflected the government’s commitment to improving education infrastructure while supporting communities that have faced challenges accessing essential services.
She also linked the projects to efforts to strengthen security and promote peaceful coexistence among communities in Laikipia.
“We have no time to chase after bandits,” Tuya said, adding that the government wanted residents to focus on economic activities, education and development as security improves.
She said the Ministry of Defence was working with the Ministry of Interior through multi-agency operations to address insecurity in the region.
Government targets lasting peace
Tuya said improved security should allow residents to pursue businesses, access markets and send their children to school without disruption.
She also urged residents to reject ethnic divisions, saying development projects such as schools, roads and markets were intended to benefit all communities.
“The things we will be pursuing are building markets for women. Instead of chasing bandits, we want roads,” she said.
The Cabinet Secretary said the government was committed to supporting communities across Laikipia, including through infrastructure development and economic empowerment initiatives.
MP credited with lobbying for project
Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere was credited with presenting development requests to the President, leading to the construction of the school.
Principal Secretary for Defence Patrick Mariru also commended Korere for pursuing projects for the constituency.
Korere welcomed the new facilities and urged parents to enrol their children and ensure they remain in school, noting that education was essential to lasting peace, particularly in pastoralist communities where some children are involved in livestock herding.
Residents also welcomed the investment, saying the new schools would improve learning conditions and expand access to education in remote areas.