Schools in Ol Moran area in Laikipia West reopened on Monday after months of closure following clashes between pastoralist communities and ranchers.

“With calm having returned to Laikipia disturbed areas, schools that had been closed have reopened and smiling children who had missed on education are streaming back to school. Security presence remains high with intensive patrols in all surrounding areas continuing,” National Police Service posted on Twitter on Monday.

The reopening of schools comes after Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i ordered resumption of learning in five closed schools in the area on Saturday.

In a meeting attended by the CS, Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi, Rift Valley Regional Commissioner George Natembeya, DIG Noor Gabow and Rift Valley Regional Police Commander Fredrick Ochieng, they agreed to reopen schools in the area with officers providing security to both teachers and learners.

According to Natembeya, 10 people have been killed and 22 homes razed by suspected bandits in the disturbed areas of Laikipia West.

At least 200 families are sheltering at St Mark Catholic Church and Deliverance Church in Ol Moran.