Teachers teaching in Lamu County were on Thursday, October 15 airlifted by the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) after partial reopening of schools.
The teachers who work in Boni area of Lamu, asked for help so that they can report to their stations. They cited fear of terror attacks by Al Shabab militants.
KDF on Thursday, October 15, announced that they had offered the teachers a chopper ride to the schools under the Operation Amani Boni initiative.”Air assets under Operation Amani Boni lifted teachers to Milimani, Mangai, Basuba and Mararani Primary Schools during the first week of learning post the Covid-19 nationwide closure of schools.
“The teachers were happy to resume their duties because the schools had just re-opened in January 2020 after 6 years closure due to insecurity. We wish the teachers and the pupils a fruitful reunion,” read a statement from KDF.
Constant raids from Al Shabaab terror group on schools in Boni region and threats to teachers forced them to flee. Anumber of the schools in the region were looted and torched by the militants.
Many schools have been closed since 2014 due to increased terror attacks in the region, with learning only resuming in January.
The schools fall within Boni forest where Operation Linda Boni was launched in 2015 to flush out Al Shabaab militants believed to be hiding there.
With the presence of KDF, the area has witnessed improved stability and security.