Kidero closes down school in Mukuru slum at risk of cholera

Governor Evans Kidero in a past function. [File, Standard]

Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has ordered the closure of a primary school in Mukuru Kwa Reuben for fear of another cholera outbreak. Kidero directed the county health department to close down Tina's Education Centre, which has been a victim of poor waste disposal and management.

He said the school was a public health risk as raw sewage flows into the small school compound, putting the lives of the children in danger.

"I was not aware of the school's existence, but after looking it up I found that it was registered by the Ministry of Education. Schools cannot operate in such an environment and, unfortunately, it will be closed," said Kidero.

The school's troubles began last year when a developer decided to construct houses on a sewer line that empties the slum's effluent into a nearby river. The school is now flooded with sewage and even the classrooms and staff room are not spared. The school has a population of about 140 pupils.

The county government has embarked on a campaign to close down more than 5,000 open-air eating places that are a health risk in the city.