Learners, Teachers Anxious as Classrooms Develop Cracks in West Pokot

Fear has gripped learners and teachers at Holy Trinity Serewo Secondary School in West Pokot County after four classrooms developed cracks and started sinking. The students have been attending lessons in dilapidated buildings, creating an environment of anxiety and concern for their safety.

Heavy rains pounding most parts of the county and poor drainage are believed to have caused significant damage to the classrooms. The affected block, which houses 434 learners and teachers, has a leaking roof and cracked walls that pose a substantial risk.

The school’s principal, Gladys Andiema, expressed her concern over the deteriorating conditions. “The buildings developed cracks, and some materials started falling off, causing panic among the learners,” she said. “I have raised the matter with higher authorities, and we shall have classes after moving students out of the affected classrooms. Our library and a section of classrooms have become a risk.”

Despite the school’s achievements at county-level competitions, the prevailing fears about the safety of the buildings have overshadowed these successes. “We are trying to put in efforts to teach the students, however, most of the learners often express fear about the safety of the buildings,” said a teacher at the school.

Ms. Andiema stated that they have been forced to move learners to safer classrooms as a temporary measure. “The buildings are almost falling on students. We have informed the local Education office, and they are assessing the situation. Once we get a report, we will send it to the higher authorities,” she added.

Kapenguria MP Samuel Moroto, who visited the school on Sunday, emphasized the need for an expert inspection. “An expert should be invited to inspect the cracks and determine if they pose a risk to learners,” he said, highlighting the urgency of addressing the structural issues.

The situation at Holy Trinity Serewo Secondary School underscores a broader issue of infrastructure safety in educational institutions, particularly in areas prone to heavy rains and poor drainage. As the school community awaits intervention from higher authorities, the immediate priority remains ensuring the safety and well-being of the learners and teachers.