Clashes disrupt businesses, education
Youth confront each other at Kopere centre during tribal clashes that erupted on June 22, 2016 at the border of Nandi and Kisumu Counties. Disputes over grazing fields have been blamed for the recurrence of conflicts. PHOTO | TONNY OMONDI | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Horticulture and milk traders in Kopere and Songhor towns in Nandi County on Sunday said they were experiencing difficulties accessing customers in Chemilil.
- In Kisumu, some businesspeople have shifted bases to Nyakach, Ahero and Kisumu Town.
The fate of businesses on the Nandi and Kisumu counties’ boundary hangs in the balance following renewed clashes.
The conflict has so far claimed the lives of two people and has interfered with horticulture, dairy, fisheries, sugarcane, tea farming and other businesses.
Horticulture and milk traders in Kopere and Songhor towns in Nandi County on Sunday said they were experiencing difficulties accessing customers in Chemilil.
Traders dealing in fish, clothes, earthenware and basketry from Kisumu County said they were not comfortable going to Nandi.
“The two county governments stand to lose heavily in terms of revenue-generation unless measures are put in place to resolve the dispute,” Western Kenya Plantation and Agriculture Workers Union secretary Joshua Oyuga said on Saturday.
Some traders on the Nandi County side have sought alternative markets for their products in areas such as Kapsabet and Eldoret Town, Uasin Gishu County.
In Kisumu, some businesspeople have shifted bases to Nyakach, Ahero and Kisumu Town.
Also, learning has grounded to a halt after teachers and students fled regardless of the deployment of more police officers.
“It is no longer safe for my children to go to neighbouring Kisumu County despite the school’s proximity to my homestead,” Mr Benjamin Kipruto, a resident, said.
Some Songhor residents have transferred their children to schools in Nandi Hills.
Nandi County Commissioner Lucy Mulili on Sunday said security forces had restored calm in the restive area.
“The law will be applied on those involved in cattle rustling and incitement to violence,” Ms Mulili said.
She admitted that the chaos had disrupted schooling.
Disputes over grazing fields have been blamed for the recurrence of conflicts among communities on the boundary, though residents interviewed believed land was the main reason.
The planned privatisation of Chemilil Sugar factory is also another issue believed to be fanning animosity between Kalenjins and Luos.
Nandi Governor Cleophas Lagat has previously petitioned the county assembly to approve Sh500 million to buy shares in the sugar milling firm, a decision that has not gone down well with Kisumu residents.
