How a school is fostering peace between Gusii and Kipsigis communities

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

For years, the periods preceding General Elections have brought misery and fear to residents of the Riogeto-Ekerubo area along the Sotik-Borabu border.

Tribal clashes between the Gusii and Kipsigis communities living along this volatile frontier have, for many, become an unwelcome ritual, casting a long shadow over the lives of residents.

As elections draw near, tension has traditionally gripped the border, forcing members of the two communities to retreat into their respective ethnic enclaves for fear of conflict. But this time, something feels different.

Residents are moving freely across the border, with little of the tension that has characterised the area as election campaigns gather momentum.

At the heart of this change is a school that has quietly become a bridge between the two communities.

The Prime-Grade School, a community institution offering basic education at primary level, was established after the 2022 General Elections by former Solicitor General Ken Ogeto.

Through the school, children from the Kisii and Kipsigis communities interact, learn and grow together. That daily interaction has gradually extended beyond the classroom, helping to strengthen relationships among their parents and the wider community.

Pastor Robert Kipruto Lang’at, a resident of Sotik Sub-County living on the Kipsigis side of the border, says the school has helped cement ties between children from the two communities, relationships that have gradually found their way into the homes of their parents.

“This school has brought interaction between people living here. A few years ago, the situation was different. At a time like this, when we are heading to elections, tribal tensions were high. But currently, we are interacting well, and we hope the peace will last until election time,” said Pastor Lang’at.

Pastor Lang’at said several people had previously lost their lives in tribal clashes in the area where the school now stands.

Today, the institution has become a symbol of peace and unity, a reminder to residents that despite their differences, they share the same soil and must find a way to live together.

“This place was a forest. People did not want to live here. But as you can see, the area has opened up, showing a lot of development, including churches, tarmacked roads, and a police station. There are many residential homes, including permanent ones,” said Pastor Lang’at.

Betty Omwenga Ayioka says women and children have historically borne the heaviest burden of the violence, often being forced to flee their homes and remain away until long after elections.

“It’s a miracle that we are still in our homes right now. It has always been bad. We are pleading with politicians to ensure the situation remains peaceful before, during, and after elections,” said Ms Ayioka.

Sospeter Omanwa, the school’s headteacher, says most of the learners come from the Kipsigis community, despite the institution being situated in Nyamira.

He says the school has deliberately ensured that its teachers and subordinate staff are drawn from both communities, giving each a sense of belonging and ownership.

“We have ensured that teachers and subordinate staff are from the two communities. This has helped each community feel a sense of ownership of the school,” said Mr Omanwa.

He added that the school encourages learners to communicate in English or Kiswahili to ensure that language does not become a vehicle for tribalism.

In a region where the approach of elections has often meant fear, suspicion and separation, the school offers a different lesson: that peace can begin with something as simple as children sharing a classroom.

Reporting originally appeared via Nation Africa. Read the full source for additional context.