Following a prolonged heavy rainfall period that led to massive flooding across the country, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) is calling upon the government to hasten the repair of schools that have remained closed due to infrastructure damage caused by recent flooding. Secretary General Collins Oyuu has emphasized the urgency of getting students back in classrooms as quickly as possible.
Safety Concerns Delay Reopening in Some Areas
Oyuu spoke in Kericho, highlighting that even with the recent school reopening, some institutions are still deemed unsafe for learning. Over 1,600 schools haven’t reopened yet,” he stated. “We demand immediate action to address infrastructure damage and accessibility issues that are preventing these schools from resuming operations.”
Safety First for Students and Staff
Parents have raised concerns about the continued closure of certain schools. Oyuu reiterated that student and staff safety is the primary concern.
Multiple Funding Sources for Repairs Proposed
Oyuu urged Members of Parliament to utilize funds allocated through the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) to support school repairs. He also advocated for additional resources: “While the NG-CDF is a valuable resource, we should explore further avenues for assistance. Additionally, I urge the Education Cabinet Secretary to consider allocating funds from the Ministry’s infrastructure budget for the rehabilitation of these affected schools.”
KNUT Supports Reopening but Emphasizes Safety and Resources
KNUT welcomed the reopening of schools and encouraged the Ministry of Education to prioritize infrastructure repair using available funds. Their goal is to ensure no child misses out on education due to school closures.