Broken schools await learners after floods

A section of a Sh9 million dormitory destroyed by a run-off at Tamkal Secondary School in West Pokot county after heavy rains in the region. [Irissheel Shanzu, Standard]

Thousands of learners face an uncertain future as a new school term opens following the heavy rains that damaged school infrastructure. 

In the North Rift, classrooms, toilets and roads that were destroyed are yet to be repaired even as education officials cling to hope that funds for renovations will be released.

West Pokot County was the worst hit with classrooms in at least five schools wrecked by landslides, resulting in damages worth over Sh30 million.

Pokot Central Education Director Kennedy Machacha said that Chesta Girls, Sekerr, Tortoy and Tamkal secondary schools as well as Tamkal, Supetoy and Solion primary schools were destroyed.

“We are worried as schools reopen. Our biggest challenge now is seeking alternative classrooms where learners will be accommodated,” Mr Machacha said.

He added: “Fortunately, the calamity occurred when our learners were on holiday. You can imagine the impact had the disaster happened while learners were sleeping in the dormitory which houses more than 200 students.”

Governor John Lonyangapuo said five schools had been converted into evacuation camps, which would make learning difficult because the victims had not been relocated.

“The schools also need learning materials because most of the books were washed away,” said Prof Lonyangapuo, adding that Sh30 million was needed for repairs.

Release funds

He urged the Ministry of Education to fast-track release of the funds so that renovations could start immediately.

The governor said that the resettlement of victims who are camping at Paroo, Ptoo, Nyarkulian and Parua primary schools would commence next week so that learners can occupy the classes.

In Trans Nzoia County, floods damaged classrooms while toilets collapsed or were washed away. The most affected were institutions located near swampy areas.

The destroyed primary schools include Bidii, Twinga, Kolonga, Kitubo and Timbelela in Kwanza, and Kapkures and Matumbei in Endebess

“We are concerned about the health situation in some schools. There is urgent need for funding to help replace infrastructure, mostly toilets,” said Kenya National Parents Association county chairman Wellington Waliaula.

In Bidii Primary School, huge cracks have developed on classroom walls. Woman Rep Janet Nangabo visited the school and raised concern over the conditions.“The classrooms are uninhabitable. They pose a danger to learners and something has to be done,” said Ms Nangabo.

In Elgeyo Marakwet County, three classrooms and 17 toilets were destroyed in four schools.

“We do not want the challenges to affect learning. We have requested support from the NG-CDF (National Government Constituency Development Fund),” said Marakwet West education director Evans Onyancha.

In neighbouring Marakwet East, education director Kimutai Chirchir said two toilets in two schools had caved in following the deluge.

“We have submitted a report to our seniors and we expect the structures will be repaired soon,” said Mr Chirchir.

In Turkana County, classrooms were destroyed and toilets collapsed in six schools.

County Director of Education Peter Magiri said boards of management of the affected schools were still assessing damages.

In Nyandarua County, the fate of over 300 pupils from Karuri Primary School in Kipipiri hangs in the balance after a bridge leading to the institution was washed away two weeks ago.

New bridge

Infrastructure Executive Ndung’u Wangenye said they needed Sh28 million to build a new crossing.

“Construction work will begin in the next few weeks. This will ensure the pupils can access the school,” said Mr Ndung’u, adding that the county government was seeking Sh200 million from the national government to rehabilitate rural roads.

For the time being, learners will be forced to use a longer 20-kilometre route to get to school.

Last week, the area witnessed a massive landslide that left over 20 families homeless. The villagers are now camping at Gachuha Primary School.

In Kericho County, Cheptagum Primary school in Soin/Sigowet constituency has been left grappling with a mosquito menace after the floods.

“Though most of the water has since receded, we still have stagnant pools that have turned into breeding grounds for mosquitoes,” said head teacher Julius Cheshire.

In Marigat, Baringo South, several schools hit by floods will reopen today.

Ngambo primary and secondary schools, and Sintaan and Leswa primary, which were affected after River Perkerra burst its banks, can now be accessed.

Sintaan Primary School headteacher Christine Lolgisoi, however, said four classrooms had developed huge cracks on the walls that posed a danger to learners.

At Loswaa Primary, headteacher Geoffrey Sokonoi said the school’s four toilets were damaged by the floods.

Although the government has spent over Sh11 million to construct two dykes along River Perkerra to control flooding, the project has been a dismal failure.

[Stephen Rutto, Irissheel Shanzu, Obare Osinde, Bakari Ang’ela, James Munyeki, Julius Chepkwony and Nikko Tanui]