Irony of school with a new bus but no road to reach the institution
Rift Valley
By
Irissheel Shanzu
| Jun 18, 2026
[Irissheel Shanzu, Standard]
A newly acquired school bus funded through the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) has brought hope to learners at Annet E.L.C.K. Senior School in Sigor Constituency, West Pokot County.
However, the excitement is tempered by a painful irony: the bus cannot reach the school because there is no motorable access road.
The bus was officially handed over to the school's management at Cheptulel Boys Senior School, about 20 kilometres from Annet, forcing students to walk approximately 15 kilometres to Lomut Centre whenever they need to board it.
Principal Joel Atuti said the lack of an accessible road remains the school's biggest challenge despite receiving the much-needed bus.
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"We are grateful for the bus because it will support academic trips and even serve the surrounding community. Unfortunately, it cannot reach the school compound because there is no accessible road. We appeal to both the national and county governments to open and improve the road," said Atuti.
He noted that the school has experienced remarkable growth following the return of peace in the region, with enrolment increasing from just 46 learners to over 900.
Student Amina Natswa said learners still face difficulties accessing transport because of the poor road network.
"The road is in a bad condition. We are happy to have a school bus, but we have to walk a long distance before boarding it," she said.
Parent Salome Siwanyang said motorcycles remain the only reliable means of transport due to the impassable roads.
"The government should repair the road so that the bus can reach the school. This will benefit both learners and the community," she said.
The school's transport challenge comes despite improved security along the West Pokot–Elgeyo Marakwet border, where years of cattle rustling and bandit attacks had weakened education and forced many families to flee.
Government security operations that led to the recovery of illegal firearms have restored calm in areas such as Chesogon, Cheptulel and Annet, allowing schools that had closed because of insecurity to reopen.
Sigor MP Peter Lochakapong said the return of peace has created an opportunity for development in the once volatile region.
"We thank the government for restoring peace. Now we can invest in schools and other development projects that were previously impossible because of insecurity," he said during the bus handover ceremony.
The MP said the government has also begun helping displaced families return home by providing building materials and other support, adding that roads and other infrastructure should now be prioritised.
Wilson Koringura, the Sigor NG-CDF Fund Manager, said several stalled school projects along the border have been earmarked for reconstruction following the restoration of security.
He also called for security officers to remain in the area to safeguard the gains made.
Principal Atuti said that improved security has not only increased school enrolment but also enhanced academic performance, as learners can now attend classes without fear.
He urged the government to invest in all-weather roads connecting schools in the remote border region, saying poor terrain continues to deny learners equal access to education.
Student Limareng Hosea said receiving the school bus has renewed learners' confidence.
"For many years, we lived in fear because of insecurity. Today we have peace and a school bus. We now hope the government will also build roads so that development can reach our school," he said.
As peace returns to the Kerio Valley, residents say the next phase of transformation should focus on infrastructure, arguing that a school bus without a road is a reminder that development remains incomplete.