A sanitation crisis has struck Chepkutbei Primary School in the Melelo area of Narok South Sub-County, following the collapse of four of its pit latrines, leaving hundreds of pupils without basic toilet facilities.
The collapse has forced the children to use nearby bushes as toilets, exposing them to health and safety risks.
Teachers and parents say the problem has been building for years.
According to them, the toilets had been in poor condition due to overuse and lack of maintenance.
Heavy rains in recent weeks reportedly weakened the structures further, leading to their sudden collapse.
“We are very worried about our children,” said one parent. The learners are exposed to diseases like cholera and typhoid, and it’s embarrassing for them to go to the bushes during class time.” Said one of the teachers.
The teachers echoed the concern, warning that the crisis may affect school attendance, particularly for girls who require privacy and proper sanitation.
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Health experts caution that the lack of functional toilets can quickly escalate into outbreaks of diarrhoeal diseases among children.
With hundreds of pupils sharing a small compound and no access to running water, the situation raises concerns over hygiene and dignity.
The school’s parents have called on the Narok County Government, the Ministry of Education, and other development partners to expedite the construction of new toilets.
They also want the school supplied with water tanks and hand-washing facilities to curb possible disease outbreaks.
Education and public health officials have urged a multi-stakeholder response, saying that sanitation is not only a health issue but also a child rights issue.
“Children cannot learn effectively when they are worried about where to relieve themselves,” said an advocate in Narok County.
The Chepkutbei Primary School case highlights a larger challenge facing many public schools in Narok and other counties, where inadequate infrastructure and rising enrolment stretch existing facilities.
Community members hope urgent intervention will restore dignity and safety to pupils and prevent a potential health disaster.
By our reporter
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