Floods Shut Down Schools Across Kenya

Rain riverSchools in several regions across Kenya have been closed due to heavy rains and flooding. Many schools are inaccessible, owing to washed out roads, and others have been completely destroyed.

Seasonal heavy rains beginning in April have caused widespread flash floods and mudslides. Several rivers have burst their banks. An estimated 90 people have been killed, and 100,000 have been displaced and are in need of shelter, food, and medical supplies. In response, the Kenyan Red Cross and Plan International have donated humanitarian aid and set up displaced persons’ camps.

A few schools have reopened despite continued rains, but in many regions the situation is too unstable, infrastructure is damaged, and pupils have been evacuated. Schools that remain standing have become temporary shelters for displaced families.

For many Kenyan students this comes as yet another disruption to the school year. Dozens of schools in Baringo were shut down several months ago due to regional raids by bandits. Similar attacks closed schools in Bungoma and Busia counties. In the Tana River region violent community clashes closed several schools for the entire year.

Mahdi Mohamed, speaking as the Kenya Red Cross head of disaster operations, said that the school closures would “contribute to the high illiteracy levels already existing” in affected regions. Because heavy rains and flooding occur yearly, Plan International is partnering with the Kenyan government to work towards a permanent solution for families in these areas.

Heavy rains are expected to continue across the country through June.

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Written by Carla Drumhiller Smith
Carla DrumhillerFloods Shut Down Schools Across Kenya