By Talarus Chesang
At least 200 schools in Baringo County are faced with imminent closure due to acute water shortage.
This follows severe drought and famine and has led to absenteeism among students as some parents engage them in looking for the precious commodity.
Pokot residents recently stormed Riongo Primary in Tiaty Sub-county demanding immediate closure.
Once closed, the fate of some 129 pupils in the institution including 84 nursery school kids will remain unknown. A parent Hosea Kipkukat, demanded immediate closure of the school saying as pastoralists they are ready to move with their children in search of water and pasture for their livestock.
Riongo Primary is among 11 schools facing imminent closures in Silale Ward alone in Tiaty Sub-county whereas 118 schools face similar challenge in the entire seven wards in the sub-county.
A neighbouring Naudo Primary was closed indefinitely earlier owing to similar water challenge.
However, Silale Ward Member of County Assembly Nelson Lotela pleads with the residents to calm down as the county and the national government seeks for solution.
Elsewhere, some 50 primary schools were also affected by water crisis in Baringo North and Baringo South sub-counties.
Saimo-Soi Ward Ward Representative Richard Chesermen says the situation might even worsen if the rains delay until February.
County Director of Education Willy Machocho asking the relevant authorities to speed up intervention said: “It will be very embarrassing to here a school have been closed down owing to lack of water.”
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