NPA National Chairman Silas David Obuhatsa said parents living along river banks, riparian reserves, low-lying areas and other flood-prone locations should take precautionary measures early and strictly follow advisories issued by the Government and emergency authorities.
Obuhatsa spoke at the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) during a national examinations briefing, where he also sought to reassure parents that preparations were being made to deal with emergencies that could affect learners during the rainy period.
He said parents should not panic but remain vigilant and maintain close communication with schools, the Ministry of Education, KNEC, security agencies and other relevant authorities.
According to the NPA chairman, no learner should miss examinations because of flooding, with parents urged to cooperate with schools and authorities whenever weather-related emergencies arise.
The association said Kenya's previous experiences with heavy rains and flooding had demonstrated how quickly rivers can burst their banks, drainage systems become overwhelmed, and roads and bridges become impassable.
Such incidents have in the past resulted in loss of life, destruction of property, displacement of families, disruption of transport and interruption of learning.
Obuhatsa cautioned parents against underestimating flood water, saying roads, bridges and paths that appear safe can become dangerous within a short time as water levels rise and currents strengthen.
The association particularly called on families in flood-prone areas to make preparations before flooding occurs by identifying safer routes, establishing reliable communication with schools and making alternative arrangements for children where necessary.
The NPA also called on principals, head teachers and school management teams to maintain regular communication with parents throughout the rainy season.
Schools have been urged to provide parents with information on safety measures, safe routes to and from school, emergency contacts and procedures to be followed when roads or bridges are affected by flooding.
Parents of day scholars were advised to discuss with schools the safest ways for their children to travel to and from school, especially in areas where roads, bridges and drainage systems are vulnerable to flooding.
Moreover, parents with children in boarding schools have been urged to maintain regular contact with school administrations and ensure their telephone numbers and other contact details are updated to enable them to receive emergency information promptly.
The association also warned drivers against attempting to cross flooded roads, bridges or rivers where water is flowing dangerously.
Obuhatsa called for stern action against school drivers who knowingly put children's lives at risk by attempting dangerous crossings.
He also urged Traffic Police officers to remain vigilant around bridges, river crossings and other known flood-risk areas, particularly following heavy rainfall.
The NPA said no school transport operator or driver should allow pressure to get learners to school or home on time to override safety considerations.
“Arriving late is far better than putting children's lives at risk,” the association said.
With the national examinations period underway, the NPA placed particular emphasis on ensuring that adverse weather does not prevent candidates from sitting their examinations.
Obuhatsa assured parents that Government agencies were prepared to respond to emergencies that may arise, urging families to remain calm and cooperate with schools and examination authorities.
Parents were advised to maintain communication with their children's schools and follow official instructions whenever flooding or other weather-related emergencies affect movement.
The NPA said early communication between parents, schools and authorities would be critical in ensuring learners are moved to safety without unnecessarily disrupting examinations.
The association has also called on Parents Association chairpersons across the country to organise sensitisation meetings, particularly in schools and communities located in flood-prone areas. The meetings should focus on practical safety measures and help parents understand how to protect children before, during and after flooding.
Parents have been urged to give children clear instructions not to walk in flood water, cross flooded rivers or bridges, play in flooded areas or approach fast-moving water.
The NPA said children should immediately move away from flooded areas and seek help from responsible adults or authorities whenever they encounter dangerous conditions.
Obuhatsa said protecting learners during the rainy season requires joint responsibility from parents, schools, Government agencies, communities, transport operators, police and emergency responders.
The association urged Kenyans to rely on official information and avoid spreading unverified reports that could create unnecessary fear and confusion.
It said while the country cannot prevent the rains, proper preparation, timely communication and responsible decision-making could significantly reduce the risks faced by learners.
The association said the priority should be ensuring that learners remain safe while accessing schools and examinations, particularly in areas vulnerable to flooding.
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