Parents Worried as Schools Reopen Amid Flood Crisis
In flood-stricken regions, parental anxiety mounts as schools gear up for reopening on Monday. Floodwaters linger in parts of Busia and Narok counties, leaving some parents hesitant about sending their children back to school. Moreover, certain schools remain occupied by flood-displaced persons, compounding the predicament.
As the countdown to reopening continues, some flood victims appeal for assistance to prepare their children for Monday. Particularly at the Huruma Sports Complex in Nairobi, conditions for internally displaced persons (IDPs) are increasingly challenging, especially for families with school-going children.
Salome Njoki, a grandmother, expressed her despair over the impending school reopening without the means to send her grandchildren, as encountered by Citizen TV. Others in the camp echo similar sentiments, mourning their losses and the hurdles they face in providing for their children’s education.
The Kenya Red Cross, overseeing relief efforts, acknowledges the genuine concerns raised by parents, emphasizing the urgent need for support, including uniforms, stationery, and addressing broader challenges such as school accessibility and infrastructure damage.
In Busia, the obstacles to school attendance are apparent, with some schools rendered uninhabitable by flood damage. Concerned parents cite the lack of suitable transportation and risks for younger students’ safety.
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Similarly, IDPs at St Peter’s School in Narok town face uncertainty as schools prepare to reopen. Having occupied classrooms since being displaced by floods, they now struggle to find alternative shelter, appealing to the government for assistance in resettlement to ensure their children can resume their education.
With just 24 hours remaining before schools reopen, affected families cling to hope that necessary support will arrive in time, prioritizing resettlement and a safe learning environment for their children.
Leaders Stress Parental Vigilance Amid School Reopening
Leaders from the Rift Valley region stress parental vigilance as schools prepare to reopen following a two-week delay due to extensive rainfall and flooding across the country.
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, addressing the community in Kilingot area, urges parents to ensure their children’s safety by personally accompanying them to school. He advises caution when navigating water crossings, given the current weather conditions.
The decision to postpone the reopening was prompted by persistent downpours, leading to tragic loss of lives and widespread flooding.
Cheruiyot reassures parents not to be overly concerned about flooded roads, suggesting they wait for conditions to improve if necessary. Other Members of Parliament echo similar sentiments, emphasizing student safety amidst challenging weather conditions.
NEP School Set to Reopen Despite IDP Presence
North Eastern regional commissioner John Otieno announces the reopening of schools in Garissa town on Monday, as directed by President William Ruto, despite five schools currently accommodating Internally Displaced People (IDPs).
Following a meeting with relevant government departments and the Kenya Red Cross, Otieno identifies alternative camps for the IDPs. He assures that necessary assistance, including tents and non-food items, will be provided.
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Over 13,000 individuals displaced by floods are sheltering at various compounds. Otieno emphasizes the urgency of relocating IDPs and ensuring alternative shelters for learners.
Stakeholders Prepare Flood-Affected Schools for Reopening
Education stakeholders in Thika are diligently preparing flood-affected schools for reopening on Monday. Thika MP Alice Nganga reports extensive damage, with efforts underway to address challenges such as cleaning submerged classrooms and repairing infrastructure.
Despite ongoing efforts, concerns linger about the feasibility of reopening, especially in areas with damaged infrastructure like the Oldonyo Sabuk Bridge. Nganga urges the government to prioritize its repair to restore normalcy to affected communities.
Parents Worried as Schools Reopen Amid Flood Crisis
