Parents urged to escort children to and fro school as heavy rains pound Bomet

Parents in Bomet County have been urged to closely monitor their children as heavy rains continue to pound the region, raising fears of flooding and dangerous river crossings.

County Disaster Management Officer Stanely Mutai called on parents to accompany their children to and from school to ensure their safety during the ongoing downpour.

Speaking to the press, Mutai said most major rivers across the county have flooded, making it difficult and risky for residents—especially school-going children to cross.

“Parents must take responsibility and escort their children to and from school because many of the rivers and bridges have become unsafe due to the heavy rains,” Mutai said.

He noted that River Mugeni, which connects Bomet County and Nyamira County, recently burst its banks, heightening fears among residents living nearby.

Mutai also warned that several low lying areas remain highly vulnerable to flooding. These include Kapsasurwo, Lelaitich, and Chebirir.

ALSO READ:

St Anthony’s Boys to represent Trans-Nzoia in Rugby 15s at Rift Valley games after appeal

“Although no flooding incidents have been reported so far, the continued heavy rains could easily trigger such situations in these lowland areas,” he cautioned.

According to Mutai, many school going children are forced to cross rivers and bridges when heading to or returning from school, exposing them to serious danger during the rainy season.

“It is the duty of parents and guardians to ensure the safety of their children, especially at a time when rivers are swelling and some bridges may be unsafe,” he said.

The disaster management officer also directed the immediate suspension of all quarry operations across the county, warning that the persistent rains have weakened the ground and could lead to sudden collapses.

“Quarry activities must stop immediately because the ground has become unstable due to the heavy rains, posing a serious risk to workers and nearby residents,” Mutai stated.

Major rivers in Bomet County include Nyangores River, Soimet River, Chepkulo River, Amala River, Kipsonoi River, Itare River, Chemosit River, and Kiptiget River, many of which swell significantly during prolonged rainfall.

By Kimutai Langat