200 institutions to remain closed due to dilapidated structures
As other schools re-open today, some will remain closed amid fears over their dilapidated structures.
People Daily visited some institutions and established that their state can only be described as pathetic. Some structures do not look safe for habitation.
At Brightons Academy in Changamwe, Mombasa, the fence is wispy and the gate rusty.
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There is no sign of anyone manning the gate as security guards left, according to the school’s principal and manager John Maro Galgalo.
Beyond the gate there is more - bedding and personal belongings, locked inside the dusty classrooms.
The principal says the main classroom block is out of bounds. It is leaky and requires thorough refurbishment.
“Some of the teachers could no longer afford rent. They kept their belonging here after they were evicted. A majority travelled upcountry,” Galgalo explained.
He says the school’s main infrastructure requires thorough renovation. It has cracks and leaky roofs,” he added.
In Nyanza, several schools are bracing themselves for operation hitches. For instance, in Kisumu there are uncertainties in resumption of learning in some schools that were affected by floods.
Recent floods left a huge trail of destruction in several schools in Nyando, parts of Muhoroni, Nyakach and Kisumu East sub-counties. County Director of Education (CDE) Isaac Atebe, says at least six public schools in the Nyangande zone within Nyando sub-county are still submerged in water. The institutions comprise four primary and two secondary schools.
“We assessed effects of floods in schools and came up with a raft of measures that included temporary relocation of students to nearby public schools,” he said.
In Homa Bay, some institutions are not sure of reopening due to the bad state of classrooms and other essential facilities.
At Rakwaro Kamwala Primary in Karachuonyo, learning may not happen since seven classrooms whose roofs were blown off by strong wind last month are yet to be repaired.
Rakwaro head teacher Charles Okong’o said they are in dilemma over the reopening owing to the condition of classrooms and other sanitation facilities.
He says attempts to get help from the government and well-wishers have been futile.
Gina Primary School in Ndhiwa is also staring at a crisis.
The institution’s community has raised concerns over safety of pupils with parents and officials worried that classrooms are in a sorry state.
