Lack of schools in Pokot has hampered efforts to boost literacy levels among the pastoral community, information minister Samuel Poghisio says.

Literacy levels in Pokot are 10 per cent, which is extremely low compared to other parts of the country," the minister said.

Many families in the semi-arid zone prefer having their children look after livestock instead o taking them to school.

The minister who was launching the new Pokot Bible at Makutano, said that learning to read and write should be emphasized for both young and old.

He cited the example of the late Kimani Maruge who joined school at the age of 84, with a great desire to be able to read the Bible.

"This Pokot Bible should do the same for our adults in the community," The rampant cattle rustling in the area had given the district the name ˜wild west of Kenya he said, and this menace ha continue to lead to the loss of lives and heightened insecurity in the area.