The national government has announced plans to permanently relocate several schools in Tana River County that have been severely affected by flooding. This initiative aims to ensure the continuity of learning activities in the flood-prone region.
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, accompanied by Principal Secretary for Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) Kelo Arsama and Garsen Member of Parliament Ali Wario, visited the flood-stricken schools and Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Tana Delta Sub-County on Saturday. During the visit, Machogu confirmed that the Ministry of Education has already allocated funds for the renovation and relocation of affected schools.
“We have set aside funds that will be toppled up with the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NGCDF) for the construction of classrooms and improvement of infrastructure in schools,” said Machogu.
The flooding, which has been recurrent in the Tana River County, has caused significant disruption to education, with many schools either damaged or rendered inaccessible. The government’s decision to relocate schools to safer areas is a crucial step towards mitigating the adverse effects of flooding on education.
In addition to relocating schools, the allocated funds will also be used for the renovation of existing school infrastructure. This comprehensive approach aims to provide a conducive learning environment for students, ensuring that education is not interrupted by natural calamities.
The initiative has been met with approval from local leaders and residents, who have long called for sustainable solutions to the flooding problem. The relocation of schools is expected to benefit thousands of students who have been adversely affected by the floods.
MP Ali Wario emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, “This move will significantly improve the learning conditions for our children and ensure their education is not disrupted by floods. We are grateful to the government for prioritizing education in our region.”
The collaboration between the Ministry of Education, the Principal Secretary for ASAL, and the local leadership underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by flood-prone areas in Kenya. By investing in the relocation and renovation of schools, the government aims to safeguard the future of education in Tana River County.
The residents of Tana River County are optimistic that this initiative will mark the beginning of more robust infrastructural development in the region, ultimately improving the overall quality of life and education for its inhabitants.
As the government embarks on this crucial project, the community remains hopeful that it will bring lasting solutions to the perennial flooding problem, ensuring a stable and secure learning environment for future generations.
