- Parents in Kapawa fear anticipated El Niño rains could worsen challenges already affecting their children’s education.
- They say heavy rains make schools difficult to access and expose children to cold-related illnesses.
- The parents are calling for urgent intervention to protect learners and critical infrastructure before rains intensify.
Parents in Kapawa, Keiyo South, have expressed fear that the anticipated El Niño rains could further disrupt the education of their children.
The parents observed that their children already face numerous challenges whenever it rains.
They say heavy rains often make it difficult for their children to access schools, raising concerns that the situation could worsen if the expected rains intensify.
Led by Ruth Sogomo, the parents listed the hardships they encounter in taking their children to school, warning that prolonged disruption could have a serious impact on their education.
Speaking in the area, Sogomo said that despite the El Niño advisory, little or no preparations had been made to cushion residents from the effects of the rains.
“Although the El Niño advisory has been issued, we have not seen any preparations being made here. We are worried about what will happen when the rains come,” said Sogomo.
She added that many school-going children are already suffering from cold-related illnesses, further affecting their ability to attend classes.
“Many of our children are suffering from cold-related diseases. When it rains, the situation becomes even worse, and this affects their education,” she said.
Sogomo also pointed out that schools are located far from many homes, making the journey particularly difficult for children during rainy weather.
“The schools are very far from where we live, and we have been neglected for years. Our children have to walk long distances, even when the weather is bad,” she lamented.
Infrastructure disruption fears
Another parent, Carolyne Komen, said residents have regarded Kapawa as their home since they were evicted from the forest in 1997.
Komen expressed concern that the El Niño rains could damage infrastructure in the area, potentially bringing education to a standstill.
“We have known this place as our home since we were evicted from the forest in 1997. We are now worried that the rains could destroy the infrastructure we depend on,” said Komen.
Komen warned that any damage to roads, schools and other essential infrastructure could make it difficult for children to continue attending classes.
“If the infrastructure is disrupted, our children’s education could be totally paralysed. We are appealing for urgent intervention before the rains become a bigger problem,” she said.
The parents are now calling on the relevant authorities to take urgent measures to prepare the area for the anticipated rains, saying the safety and education of their children should be given priority.
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Parents in Kapawa, Keiyo South, raise concerns over the impact anticipated El Niño rains could have on their children’s education.
By Kimutai Langat
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