Parents are relieved that schools have resumed
Parents are relieved that schools have resumed
After several anxious days, there was a breath of relief as classes in most schools began on Monday.
The majority of students, especially those in boarding institutions, had reported to their schools as early as 2 p.m. on Monday, according to a statewide spot check conducted by The Standard.
Using Zeraki biometric technology, parents who were interviewed attested to having received text messages confirming their children’s arrival at their designated schools. Parents were relieved that there were no fare increases because the majority of Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) charged the usual fare.
“We are not charging more because we understand the current economic difficulties,” stated Patrick Oketch, a Matatu conductor who works the Kisumu–Busia road.
Learning was interrupted at Mathioya’s Ngutu Primary School and Maragua’s Makuyu Primary School as students interacted with flood-displaced family who were still camped there.
Several schools in Budalang’i, Busia, were either inaccessible or submerged, making it impossible for them to reopen.
According to Patrick Lwango, the county coordinator for the Kenya Red Cross Society, the organization would supply boats to facilitate the transportation of students and instructors to and from schools that are inaccessible from Bunyala South.
“We have provided a boat that is ferrying students to enable them access schools from their homes and also other roads that are not accessible,” Lwango said.
West Pokot Education Director Simon Wamae raised concerns over the devastation caused by floods to educational institutions such as Chepkalit secondary and primary Schools.
While respecting the Ministry of Education’s instructions on school reopening, he requested for assistance in restoring the schools.
In order to reduce the risks that natural disasters pose in the future and to guarantee the security and well-being of students and staff, Wamae appealed for cooperation.
As the schools reopened, bookstores and uniform retailers saw a small increase in sales.
An attendant at the Watani bookstore in Lucy Muthoni, Murang’a, stated that sales were mediocre because many parents had purchased a large quantity of books at the start of the year.
