Schools yet to re-open for second term two weeks following heavy rains

Schools in Baringo remain closed two weeks after re-opening for second term as a result of floods.

More than 10 schools in Baringo South were hit by flash floods after river Perkerra broke its banks.

Hundreds of school-going children had to stay home as roads were rendered impassable. Few students who braved and waded through the flood waters, however, could not attend classes as most classrooms were filled with water.

Amenities such as pit latrines were also submerged in water causing further paralysis in the education sector.

The Standard witnessed sections of classrooms being swept away by flood waters at Sintaan Primary school.

Teachers, during the first week, had to turn away students until the water levels reduced.

It has, however, emerged that the situation has not changed and the students will have to wait even longer.

Evans Kakimon, a teacher, yesterday said the Sintaan school compound remained full of water and there are no signs of resuming classes.

The situation is the same at Ng’ambo Girls where the school dormitories and teachers houses remained submerged in the water.

It however appears the effects of the floods in the region will be felt for more days as most students had their learning materials destroyed.

Meshack Lemayan, 14 is worried, his dreams to achieve the best in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education exams may not be realised.

Lemayan from Ilchamus ward in Baringo South, says his school uniform and books were swept away by ranging flood waters a week ago.

He is among 35 students from Sintaan Primary School expected to sit their KCPE examination by end of this year.

"I wonder how we will prepare for our exams with all this water in our classes, we might not resume learning anytime soon. A bigger problem is awaiting me; all my learning materials and school uniform were swept away by water," said Lemayan.

He said the county and national government should help them resume classes.

Other schools affected include Ng'ambo primary and secondary school, Longiwan primary and secondary school, Salabani Primary School and Leswa Primary School. IlNgarua, Loropil, Murda and Longewan primary schools also form part of the list.

Bear brunt

As locals continue to bear the brunt of floods, 1,302 households have been affected by the floods.

Data by Kenya Red Cross for floods affected sites in Baringo indicated that all five locations in Baringo South were the most affected.

Ilngarua is the most affected location with a total of 404 households followed by Loboi (342) then Ngambo with 340 households.

Other locations include Ilchamus and Salabani with 68 and 148 households respectively.

Baringo County Education Minister Thomas Nongonop said there are putting in place short terms measures to relocate the affected schools temporarily.