- A rat infestation linked to a nearby dumpsite has disrupted learning at a Machakos primary school, with pupils in Grades 2 to 5 the most affected.
- The management has appealed to the county Governor to address the illegal dumping site blamed for the infestation and rising pupil illnesses.
Learning at a primary school in Machakos County is being disrupted by a growing rat infestation, with pupils falling ill and pests invading classrooms and stores linked to an illegal dumpsite near the institution.
The school’s Board of Management (BOM) Chairperson, Festus Mumo, said the rats are believed to be coming from a nearby dumping ground where garbage has allegedly been dumped by neighbouring residents.
“We have been suffering a lot because of this dumpsite. Our children have been falling ill, and pests like rats have invaded classrooms and stores. Grades 2, 3, 4 and 5 are the most affected. When it gets hot, these classrooms become uninhabitable,” Mumo said.
ALSO READ: Why some teachers don’t want to be called “mwalimu” outside the school compound
He said the school has maintained high standards of cleanliness within its own compound but continues to face challenges from the dumping site outside its boundaries, and appealed to the county government to intervene. “We would love the Governor to address this issue as soon as possible,” he added.
Mumo also raised concern over mechanics and breakdown operators working near the school gate, saying vehicles are sometimes parked along walkways used by pupils, causing congestion, particularly during school reporting and dismissal times. “They cause traffic snarl-up when parents are dropping their kids, and if the owners can be directed to park them elsewhere, it would be great,” he said, calling on relevant authorities to intervene.
By Agnes Orang’o
Get more stories from our website: Education News
To write to us or offer feedback, you can reach us at: editor@educationnews.co.ke
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
