Unicef pitches 70 tents for exam candidates in Budalangi

By Allan Kisia and Philip Mwakio

United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) has erected tents in Budalang’i to be used by national examination candidates whose schools may be affected by the expected flooding.

More than 70 tents have been erected and are ready for use by KCSE and KCPE candidates.

The tents will provide shelter for more than 1,157 candidates.

Teachers of Kadima ACK Primary School in Mumias, assess damages after a storm ripped off two classrooms at the weekend. Photo: Benjamin Sakwa /Standard

"We are prepared for any eventuality," said the acting DC Richard Ajwang’.

Eight schools have been identified as risky areas in the event of flooding.

They include Igigo, Sibuka, Makunda, Budala, Maduwa, Runyu and Bulwani primary schools and Makunda Secondary School.

12,500 people

The Government estimates that at least 12,500 people will be displaced by El Nino rains in Budalang’i.

Six local and international humanitarian agencies, including Unicef, in conjunction with the Government have embarked on measures to save lives and property.

One evacuation centre has been established, but residents want more put up ahead of the rains.

The residents say it would not be fair to crowd the displaced people at one centre. Last year, there were camps at Sigiri, Mudembi and the Bunyala DC office grounds that accommodated displaced families.

High alert

Meanwhile, the DC urged residents of Ikhula, Igigo, Mumbira, Subika, Makunda and Makhoma villages to be on high alert. He said residents living in high-risk areas should take warnings seriously.

He was reacting to reports that residents were calling a local FM station asking announcers to stop the talk on imminent flooding. He said announcements should not be taken lightly, as they were from the Metrological Department.

El nino rains

The forecast says several parts of the country would experience flooding in the advent of El Nino rains.

Meanwhile, provincial administration officials in Kisauni District have been put on alert over impending disaster in the wake of heavy rains that have been pounding the lower Coastal belt. Speaking when he addressed chiefs and their assistants yesterday, DC Tom Anjere said hotlines had been opened to deal with emergencies.

At the same time, the administrator issued orders to have kiosks near learning institutions closed down. He said criminals used such structuresas cover for their activities. Mr Anjere gave owners of such kiosks 10 days to pull them down before the Government demolishes them.

He also told chiefs to crack down on bars operating within residential estates and arrest owners.

"Some of these joints have been put up on road reserves hindering access in the event of disaster," he said.