In a landmark gesture of unity, progress, and hope, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officially handed over three classrooms to Bahati Njema Primary School in Lamu West Constituency, ushering in a new era for education in a region long affected by insecurity.
Presiding over the handover ceremony on behalf of Brigadier William Kamoiro, Commander 2 Brigade and Operation Amani Boni, Colonel Christopher Boit described the initiative as a powerful symbol of how security and development must go hand in hand with education. He reiterated that the classrooms built under KDF’s Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) program with support from the Lamu County Government stands as beacons of resilience, opportunity, and a brighter future for the children of Lamu.
“This is more than classrooms, it is a fortress against illiteracy, radicalization, and generational poverty. Our objective was to improve the learning environment for learners, many of whom come from families that have endured the effects of conflict. These classrooms are built to last, meeting the highest standards of safety to ensure every child can learn with dignity,” said Colonel Boit.
Kassim Athman Mohammed, Chief of Devolution at the County Government of Lamu, lauded the Kenya Defence Forces for their unwavering commitment to community welfare, noting that their service extends far beyond conventional security roles. “The KDF is not only protecting lives, they are transforming them,” he remarked. Mr. Mohammed further called on the people of Lamu to deepen their collaboration with the military, emphasizing that lasting peace and prosperity can only be achieved through united efforts.
Bahati Njema Primary School’s Head Teacher, Mr. David Njoka, expressed profound appreciation for the Kenya Defence Forces’ steadfast commitment to education and community development, describing the newly constructed classrooms as a transformative gift not only to the school but to the entire region. He emphasized that the facilities would serve as incubators of knowledge, catalysts for uplifting families, and foundations for nurturing future leaders grounded in wisdom and purpose.
Echoing the sentiments, Area Assistant Chief Mrs. Ann Hallako David compelled the parents and guardians to embrace the opportunity by ensuring every child receives an education. She underscored that the new classrooms must become sanctuaries of ambition and learning, spaces where no child is left behind, and where the promise of a better future is realized through collective commitment to growth, security, and enlightenment.
The handover ceremony underscored the Kenya Defence Forces’ broader mission, not only to secure, but to transform communities affected by insecurity. It demonstrated that true and lasting peace is achieved not solely through military presence, but through education, empowerment, and meaningful partnerships. By building classrooms and restoring hope, the KDF is turning the goals of Operation Amani Boni into tangible progress, where security becomes the foundation for opportunity and development across Lamu County.
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