Young learners in Tinderet, Nandi County, are enduring difficult and risky conditions as heavy rains continue to pound the region, turning roads into muddy and nearly impassable pathways.
The ongoing downpour has worsened the state of already dilapidated feeder roads, leaving pupils struggling daily to reach school on time.
In many villages across the sub-county, children are now forced to wade through thick mud, with some arriving in school exhausted, drenched and covered in dirt before classes even begin.
At Kapsimotwo and neighbouring villages, parents say the daily journey to school has become increasingly difficult, especially for younger learners who have to walk long distances.
“The children have no option. They must go to school, but the roads are full of mud. Some of them slip and fall along the way,” said Mary Lagat.
Residents say roads that were previously dusty during the dry season have now turned into deep stretches of sticky sludge, making movement almost impossible.
Witnesses described scenes of young pupils carefully balancing themselves while clutching books and school bags to prevent them from falling into muddy water.
Some children reportedly remove their shoes altogether to navigate the slippery terrain more easily.
“It is painful to watch these children struggle every morning. By the time they arrive at school, they are already exhausted,” said Christine Kemboi, another mother.
Teachers across several primary schools in the area say the poor road conditions are negatively affecting learning and school attendance.
A headteacher at one of the local schools said many pupils now report being late due to the muddy roads and harsh weather conditions.
“Most of the children come late because the roads are muddy. When they arrive, they are tired and dirty, and it takes time before they can settle down for lessons,” the headteacher said.
According to teachers, some learners miss classes entirely whenever rainfall intensifies because parents fear for their safety on flooded or slippery roads.
The situation has also affected teachers and transport services within the rural communities.
Motorcycle operators, who play a critical role in transporting teachers, pupils and residents, are finding it difficult to operate in the thick mud.
Several boda boda riders said motorcycles often get stuck, forcing them to abandon trips or charge higher fares due to the difficult conditions.
“We are struggling because the roads are extremely slippery. Sometimes motorcycles cannot pass at all,” said Hillary Tonui, a rider operating in the area.
Residents now say the crisis reflects years of neglect of rural infrastructure, particularly dry-weather roads that become unusable whenever heavy rains occur.
They faulted authorities for failing to install proper drainage systems and carry out regular maintenance on feeder roads linking villages to schools and markets.
“This is not just about inconvenience; it is affecting the future of our children,” said Joyce Kwambai, a local community elder. “Education is being disrupted because the roads are nearly impassable.”
Parents and community leaders are now appealing to the county and national governments to urgently intervene by grading roads and improving drainage infrastructure before the situation worsens further.
They warned that prolonged disruption of learning could negatively affect academic performance among learners in the region.
The muddy conditions have also limited access to other essential services, including healthcare and transportation of farm produce, further compounding challenges facing residents.
As the rains persist, images of children trudging through thick mud in search of education continue to paint a grim picture of the hardships faced by rural communities.
The situation comes as the Kenya Meteorological Department warned that the country is expected to continue experiencing heavy rainfall, especially in western and coastal regions.
According to the department, the rains are likely to peak during the first half of May, marking the final intense phase of the March-April-May long rains season.
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The weather agency has further cautioned that continued heavy rains may increase the risk of flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas across the country.
Residents in Tinderet are now hoping that urgent action will be taken to improve road access and protect learners from the daily struggle of walking through dangerous, muddy routes in pursuit of education.
By Kimutai Langat
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