- The government last week said more than 1,600 schools across the country may not reopen yet due to floods
- In Kisumu, parents whose children were displaced by floods expressed concerns over resumption of learning
Image: FAITH MATETE
Schools are reopening today amid concerns over safety of learners and the conditions of the institutions as heavy rains and floods show no signs of subsiding.
Yesterday, Muslim leaders said there is a serious threat on the safety of learners and asked for a close monitoring of the situation.
“The intensity of the rains are worrying and we are calling on the government to rethink the decision on school reopening if the situation gets worse,” Imam Adam Ali said.
He spoke in Mai Mahiu when members of the Muslim community from Nakuru and Naivasha visited victims of the Mai Mahiu flash-floods that killed 61 people.
The government last week said more than 1,600 schools across the country may not reopen yet due to floods.
In Kisumu, parents whose children were displaced by floods expressed concerns over resumption of learning.
Those who spoke to the Star decried transport logistics.
Primary schools including Oseth, Odienya and Nyamrundu in Nyando subcounty are submerged.
Their students have been asked to relocate to the neighbouring Nduru Primary. Due to this, parents will have to part with at least Sh200 as transport.
"The fare is about Sh200 for each student, meaning I have to part with Sh1000 per week. With our current state, where will I get that kind of money?" Milicent Atieno, a mother of five asked.
James Akoko from Irrigation sublocation, which is currently submerged expressed the same fear.
He said their children will have to use boats to access the roads then take motorbikes to reach school.
"We can't tell when the water levels will go down because some of us have been affected by both water from river Nyando and the overflow from Lake Victoria," Akoko said.
Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong’o said 22 ECDE schools have been affected by floods.
He said 17 schools in Kisumu county are hosting more than 12,000 flood victims.
They include Miruka, Nyadina, Kanyalwal and St Alloys, Kogalo, Nyahoto, Kobura, Rabuor, Kalwore and Ongeche primary schools.
Others are Nduru, Nyang’ande, Ombaka and Ayweyo RC primary schools.
The government on Saturday ordered closure of all evacuation centers in learning institutions.
Nyanza regional commissioner Flora Mworoa said the decision was arrived to pave way for reopening of schools.
“We have asked our officers in the ministries of Interior and Education to find alternative spaces. I know many of them are complaining but we are going to find suitable places,” she said.
In Kiambu, learners at Ruiru Girls' Secondary will face a new hurdle after 20 toilets sunk due to heavy rains.
The institution, which is the only public girls' boarding school in Ruiru constituency, houses 1,031 students, majority of whom are boarders.
Principal Gloria Waithera said only 16 out the 36 pit toilets survived the deluge.
“Our students will have to use the lavatories in the dormitories even though they are very few considering the high population. The torrential rains that have been pounding this region has dealt us a huge blow,” she said.
Waithera appealed to the government and well-wishers to chip in and help rebuild the facilities.