School counts loses as hailstorm destroys classrooms

By ANTONY GITONGA.

Three classrooms and learning materials worth thousands of shillings were destroyed during a hailstorm in Mai Mahiu, Naivasha.

The classrooms in Ngeya Primary School had their roofs blown off and part of the walls damaged during the downpour.

Business in the trading centre was also paralysed as traders counted losses running into thousand of shillings.

In the school, desks books and other learning materials were completely destroyed.

No student was in the school during the incident as the institution had been closed by parents who were accusing the headmaster of engaging in politics.

A witness Japheth Maina said that the afternoon downpour lasted for over an hour and left a trail of destruction.

He said that the downpour accompanied by winds tore through the school destroying the classrooms and part of the staffroom.

"We have never witnessed such a heavy down pour in this area for a long time and it will take a lot of money to repair the damage," said Maina.

The school headmaster Mr Peter Ndegwa said that property worth Sh1.5m was destroyed during the incident.

"At the moment no learning can go on as we assess the damage and look on ways of repairing the damaged classrooms," he said.

Contacted on phone, Naivasha Senior D.O Michael Kioni confirmed the damage and said that the Government would assist in the repairs.

Kioni said that no one was injured during the incident adding that all the students and staff were at home.

The school headmaster has already expressed his interest to run for the seat of Naivasha MP in the coming general elections.

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