Residents of Mt Elgon in Bungoma County are expressing deep concern over the status of Chepkurkur ECDE Center school, which has been non-operational for over a year due to an alleged land grabbing incident.
Established by the community in 2016, the school has become a focal point of contention after part of its land was reportedly seized.
According to Martin Ngeyo, a resident of the area, Chepkurkur ECDE Center started as a modest structure built with community efforts.
Over time, community members rallied to improve the facility, only to discover later that sections of the land were being claimed by outsiders.
“We are baffled by how someone can lay claim to property that belongs to the community,” lamented Ngeyo.
Local officials, including the chief, purportedly confirmed the change in ownership, leaving residents bewildered and aggrieved.
“Our children are now deprived of education because of this dispute, and we demand swift action against those responsible for this land grab,” Ngeyo emphasized.
Joseph Chebunde, a member of the Council of Elders, criticized the authorities for their role in the situation.
“Officials preach against crime among the youth while enabling land grabbing themselves. Those involved in such acts must face consequences,” he asserted.
Phylis Ndege, another local resident, highlighted the practical hardships caused by the school’s closure.
“Many of us chose this school for its proximity, but now our children must travel long distances to find alternative education,” she remarked.
Deputy Commissioner Langa Manjama acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, confirming that investigations are underway to address the community’s grievances.
The closure of Chepkurkur ECDE Center underscores broader challenges related to land disputes and their impact on local communities.
As residents await resolution, the fate of the school remains uncertain, casting a shadow over the educational prospects of children in Mt Elgon.
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