Baringo County Commissioner (CC) Stephen Kutwa has disclosed that two schools inundated by floods will not reopen along with others as classes resume from the prolonged break.
Kutwa was specifically addressing the closure of Longeiwan and Leswa Primary Schools in Marigat Sub County, which were partially submerged by floods after the Perkera and Molo rivers overflowed.
He revealed that contingency plans are being made for affected students to attend neighboring schools, with Loitip Primary School expected to accommodate a significant number due to its available capacity.
Kutwa conveyed these updates at his Kabarnet office on Monday, providing an initial report to KNA regarding the condition of schools in Baringo.
Highlighting concerns for the safety of students, he emphasized the decision to wait for floodwaters to recede before resuming classes in the affected schools.
Additionally, Kutwa mentioned that although most schools in Baringo North Sub-county opened on the first day of the second term, attendance was low due to security issues, particularly in parts of Saimo Soi and Bartabwa wards.
He urged students and parents from these insecure areas to return home, assuring enhanced security measures and dismissing excuses related to safety challenges.
Kutwa lamented the recent tragic boat incident that claimed the lives of seven schoolchildren in Baringo South.
He assured that safety measures have been strengthened to protect students attending schools bordering Lake Baringo, where boats are used for transportation.
“We have implemented safety protocols, including the mandatory use of life jackets, limiting boat capacity, training coxswains, and enforcing regulations on licensed operators and designated routes,” he elaborated.
Kutwa emphasized that only registered boats would be permitted on Lake Baringo, warning of legal consequences for operators found violating safety regulations.
