Calm and relative peace have returned to volatile parts of West Pokot County, with residents in areas previously affected by insecurity beginning to enjoy improved stability.
The development has provided communities with an opportunity to resume their daily activities, rebuild livelihoods and interact freely across neighbouring areas.
Leaders, however, say sustaining the peace will require concerted efforts from both the national government and local communities, particularly through programmes that address the unique challenges facing residents living along the volatile border areas.
Former West Pokot Senator Samuel Poghisio, who visited parts of Cheptulel, Arpollo and Chesegon areas that have previously experienced insecurity along the West Pokot–Elgeyo Marakwet border, called on residents to embrace dialogue, peaceful coexistence and reconciliation, urging communities to abandon practices that could undermine the gains made in restoring stability.
According to Poghisio lasting peace can only be achieved when local communities take ownership of peacebuilding efforts and work together to resolve disputes.
Poghisio also called on the government to provide affirmative action and targeted support to communities living in the affected areas. He said residents whose livelihoods and settlements have been disrupted by insecurity require government assistance to rebuild their lives and facilitate peaceful resettlement.
Nominated member of west Pokot county assembly Gladys Korir who accompanied senator Poghisio insisted that support in areas such as security, infrastructure, education, water and economic empowerment would help communities adapt to their lifestyles while reducing vulnerability to conflicts.
Residents have welcomed the return of calm, saying the prevailing peace has enabled them to move freely and focus on their families and livelihoods.
Leaders are now calling for sustained government intervention to ensure the peace is not temporary, but becomes a foundation for long-term development in the border communities.
They say addressing historical challenges and supporting peaceful resettlement will be critical in securing lasting stability in West Pokot and neighbouring counties.
