In Likuyani, Kakamega County, St Paul Namunyiri Primary School has been shut down indefinitely due to dire sanitation issues. The decision, made jointly by school management and parents, reflects grave concerns for the safety and well-being of the 1,000 pupils, including Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) learners, and staff.
The primary reason for the closure stems from the deplorable condition of the school’s facilities, particularly the dilapidated toilets and classrooms. Public health officials had previously condemned at least 10 latrines and multiple classrooms, citing them as potential hazards to both health and safety.
Roselyn Makokha, the head teacher of St Paul Namunyiri Primary School, emphasized that the closure was a last resort to mitigate risks faced by the school community. “The safety of our pupils and staff is paramount, and it has become increasingly clear that the current state of our facilities poses unacceptable risks,” Makokha stated.
Efforts to persuade public health officials to refrain from closing the school proved futile as the dire state of the latrines posed serious environmental and health hazards. Makokha highlighted the potential outbreak of communicable diseases like cholera due to the unsanitary conditions.
The closure of St Paul Namunyiri Primary School underscores the urgent need for intervention from the County Government to address the sanitation crisis. Makokha appealed for swift assistance to rectify the situation, recognizing the critical role of adequate facilities in ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment.
Beyond immediate remedial action, there is a pressing need for long-term infrastructure investment in schools across Kakamega County to prevent similar incidents in the future. Proper sanitation facilities are not only essential for the health and dignity of students and staff but also fundamental to promoting effective learning outcomes.
As the community awaits action from authorities, the closure of St Paul Namunyiri Primary School serves as a stark reminder of the systemic challenges facing educational institutions in underserved areas. It is imperative that concerted efforts be made to prioritize infrastructure development and safeguard the well-being of all learners and educators.
