The heavy rains that have been battering a number of regions in Kenya are the main reason behind devastating floods that have not only claimed lives but also disrupted learning and resulted in property damage in the flooded areas.
Government officials report that as of now, 42 people have been confirmed dead as the countrywide seasonal downpours continue to cause destruction in a number of counties.
Officials further inform that rising water levels, landslides and flooded rivers are the main factors that have intensified the crisis and even forced many residents to abandon their homes.
The flooding has had a great effect on learning activities in Nyatike, Migori County, where schools in the region have been made inaccessible for most of the time. The roads leading to the educational institutions have also been submerged and this has made it very difficult for both learners and teachers to get to school.
In addition, young learners from pre-school to grade four will be the hardest hit by this situation as some classrooms have been flooded while others have been completely cut off due to submerged roads.
Margaret Adhiambo who is a parent in this locality informs that due to the heavy rainfall, a lot of children have remained out of school and therefore they have become backward in their studies compared to their cohorts.
Tachers who normally sent to this area, often ask for transfer during the rainy season due to difficult working conditions and lack of hardship allowances, and this has further led to understaffing.
In Nairobi, the downpour has disrupted business activities and transport, resulting in big traffic jam all over the major roads.
Besides, the tragedy struck when a middle, aged woman’s dead body was found in Nairobi River after the flooding. On the other hand, the rescue efforts were halted in Baringo County after a diver was knocked down by the raging waters at the popular Chebloch Gorge.
The incident happened when heavy rains caused floods and landslides in the area. In the Kabarkebo part of Baringo North, landslides brought by continuous rainfall wrecked a family house after mud and debris slid down a hill, and the householders have been made homeless.
Former Cabinet Secretary Simion Chelugui has called for the residents living in flood, prone areas in Baringo to move to safer areas. The officials have also warned the public to be on alert and adhere to safety instructions as the rains are still falling.