This archive report was first published on 21 August 2021.
Laikipia Nature Conservancy, a vast ranch in Kenya, has been a target for armed bandits in recent years. On Friday, the institution's education centre was set ablaze, leaving children without a place to learn.
The centre, established by conservationist Kuki Gallman, helps children from pastoral communities in the surrounding areas. According to Sveva Gallman, the institution's director, over 20 armed bandits were seen entering the centre at around 10:30am.
“Over 20 armed bandits were seen entering the institution by our security officers later, a huge fire was reported at the institution,” Ms Gallman told Nation.Africa on phone.
It took the centre's workers over three hours to put off the fire, but several classrooms were badly damaged. This is not the first time the centre has been targeted by armed bandits. In 2018, a cottage at the ranch was set ablaze, and last year, they had attempted to set ablaze classrooms at the institution but were unsuccessful.
Laikipia County Commissioner Daniel Nyameti has said that security officers are pursuing the criminals. The attack on the ranch comes amidst a heightened security operation to flush out illegal herders and bandits from private property.
