The government will not approve transfer requests by 150 teachers from Mandera County who want to relocate following security threats.

Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang Thursday said the government would ensure that emergency intervention measures are put in place ahead of the re-opening of schools in January 2015.

Speaking after an assessment tour of Mandera County, Dr Kipsang said the government would give the county all the support requires.

“We are not departing from Mandera in its hour of need. We are here to give our support,” Dr Kipsang said during a meeting at the county headquarters.

The PS, who met with Mandera Governor Ali Roba, was accompanied by his colleagues Mutea Iringo (Defence), Monica Juma (Interior), Nduva Muli (Transport) and Director of Medical Services Nicholas Muraguri.

Mandera has witnessed a mass exodus of workers especially civil servants working in the health and education sectors after two attacks that have left more than 60 people dead in the recent past.

Twenty eight people were killed in the first attack after the Al-Shabaab militants raided a Nairobi-bound bus and shot them dead near the Kenya-Somalia border. Most of those killed were teachers and other civil servants travelling home for the Christmas holidays.

A week later, on November 22, 2014, 36 people were ambushed as they slept in tents at Koromey quarry near the same border. All those killed were non-locals and non-Muslims.

RE-OPEN HEALTH FACILITIES

Following the departure of 50 health workers, Dr Muraguri said the government will re-open 20 health facilities that have closed down due to security threats.

This, he said, will be done as a matter of urgency.

“Our ministry will help Mandera stabilise following the security blow.

“I applaud Mr Roba for his efforts in trying to keep the county moving despite all the challenges you are going through,” he said.

Ms Juma appealed to all ministries to fully commit themselves and help the county get back on its feet.

“Mandera is our frontline. We are here to support the county to the end,” she said.

Governor Roba lauded the National Government for its response in ensuring that crucial government services were not further paralysed by the exodus of civil servants.