A report on the effects of floods on schools conducted by Elimu Bora working group reveals that more than 15,000 learners did not resume learning.
According to the survey, data from 60 surveyed schools shows that the student population dropped from 23,530 to 21,453 after the floods, a decrease of nine per cent.
The return rate of female students fell by approximately 10 per cent, and 11 per cent of students with special needs—40 out of the original 337—had yet to return.
Mathare informal settlements were the worst hit by the deadly floods that wreaked havoc across the country between April and May.
The sub-county recorded the highest school dropout rate with 7000 families adversely affected.
“Several informal settlements in urban areas suffered greatly; for example, over 7,000 people were displaced in Mathare informal settlement in Nairobi alone” reads the report.
At the same time, 62 schools were submerged while 20,000 toilet blocks were either sunken or severely damaged by the floodwaters posing significant health risks to over 1.5 million learners.
34 cases of cholera were reported in Tana River County, with fears of an increase as children were set to return to school.
The majority of schools affected by heavy rains and floods in the county suffered primarily due to inadequate drainage systems. Consequently, many areas remained submerged with waterlogged fields during the survey.
The report however highlights notable collaborative efforts among headteachers, management boards, and parents’ associations.
“These partnerships facilitated the construction of temporary learning structures and the creation of a detailed disaster response framework. Coordination efforts were led by the assistant county commissioner and the sub-county administrator” the group reveals.
As of May 10, 2024, the National Disaster Operations Centre reported 267 deaths, 188 injuries, and 75 missing persons.
Additionally, 281,835 people (56,367 families) were displaced, and nearly 380,573 people (76,114 families) were affected by the persistent heavy rains and flooding (Kenya, 2024).
The floods also resulted in the loss of more than 9,973 livestock, damage to 41,562 acres of cropland and 61 roads, and destruction of 886 businesses, 1,967 schools, 1,465 water sources, and 62 health facilities across 11 of the 42 affected counties.
Emerging issues
Girls from disadvantaged backgrounds lacked access to sanitary towels, prompting teachers to seek donations to support them.
School feeding programs were also disrupted, adversely affecting many students who relied on them.
The working group further challenges schools to develop an emergency and disaster response strategy, ensuring that all stakeholders—students, teachers, administrative staff, parents, local leaders, and community members—are informed and involved in its implementation.
Other recommendations include the implementation of mitigation measures to reduce or prevent flooding.
“This includes constructing gabions and tunnels in flood-prone areas and building structures on elevated and stable ground to create a stronger foundation for infrastructure. Proper land-use planning, including modifying the current school environment, should ensure that building sites have improved soil conditions and structural integrity” the report states.
The survey also recommends regular assessment and surveys and a multi-stakeholder recover process.
“A school infrastructure improvement and maintenance scheme should be established to keep buildings resilient. Public outreach and education programs are crucial for raising awareness about disaster preparedness and early warning detection among learners, teachers, parents, and local communities” the report outlines.
