A section of Baringo residents have abandoned rearing cattle, goats, and other animals to avoid attacks from bandits.
The residents in Baringo South shifted to subsistence farming in early 2023 to ensure food security for their families in the restive region.
A resident told Citizen TV that cows were bringing a lot of problems because that is what attracted bandits to their compounds who forcefully drove their cattle away.
They pleaded with the government to step in and support them by supplying water to irrigate their lands, this will enable them to diversify crops.
"Cows are bringing a lot of problems because these people (bandits) want cows or their herders. We decided to plough our land and plant crops. If the government can help us to continue with this project by ensuring water supply for irrigation, we will stop rearing cows or goats," a resident said.
John Wendot from Kasiela said they were only planting maize and beans because they do not require much water, unlike onions.
Residents use water from river Olarabel by digging trenches that take water to their farms.
They sell their produce in Marigat and Kabel markets but according to Paul Lekirongozi a resident of Kasiela transport has been a big issue.
"If the roads are good, we are sure that the economy of this country will change but if the roads are not up to standards then we do not have so much expectations in terms of food security and economic growth," Lekirongozi opined.
The view from Korkoron hills is breathtaking as farms belonging to different residents displayed a green colour, showing healthy crops well taken care of by residents.
As silent as it may seem, bandits lucked inside the bushes waiting for the right time to ambush their victim and drive away their animals.
In early 2023, President William Ruto ordered the deployment of the Kenya Defence Forces to the North Rift under the mission 'Operation Maliza Uhalifu' to smoke out bandits out of the restive region.
During his tour to the region, former Chief of Defence Forces, the late Francis Ogolla acknowledged various projects and exercises in the North Rift region, contributing to the overarching goal of establishing peace and stability.
“We are fully dedicated to this operation, our objective remains the same in as much as we are using the Multi agency framework. Let’s continue to engage the local administration and the communities at large,” Ogolla told his troops.
One year down the line, residents are celebrating the fruits of the operation, although some are still worried that peace and stability are evasive.
