The recent floods have created an educational crisis in Kenya, leaving nearly half a million children unable to return to school for Term Two. According to Save the Children, approximately 497,783 learners are currently at home or in temporary shelters. This dire situation is the result of widespread damage to educational infrastructure, with assessments revealing that over 3,781 classrooms and 18,615 toilets have been destroyed by the flooding.
The impact on education is just one aspect of the broader crisis. The floods have exacerbated public health issues, particularly waterborne diseases, which have surged in affected areas. Alarmingly, nearly half of the reported cases are among children aged one to ten years. This rise in illness is attributed to faecal contamination infiltrating classrooms, playgrounds, and homes. The physical destruction and health hazards are compounded by significant mental health challenges for children, who are experiencing heightened anxiety and fear whenever it rains.
The emotional toll is evident in the words of Jackson, a parent from Nairobi’s informal settlements. He recounts how children become distressed and start crying when it rains, both at home and at school. The flooding has not only disrupted their education but also instilled a persistent fear, affecting their ability to sleep and concentrate.
Families displaced by the floods are facing numerous hardships in temporary shelters. These conditions pose serious protection concerns, including Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), the loss of mobility aids for children with disabilities, a lack of clean water for cooking and drinking, and overall psychosocial stress and trauma. These challenges further complicate the return to normalcy for affected children and their families.
In response to this multifaceted crisis, Save the Children is calling on the government to take immediate action. They urge the government to support relevant ministries in conducting rapid assessments to guide recovery efforts. This includes repairing damaged classrooms, dormitories, and toilets, providing alternative learning spaces, and promoting health and hygiene sessions within schools and communities.
One of the crucial steps recommended is the unconditional enrollment of displaced children into nearby accessible schools. This measure would ensure that education remains uninterrupted for these vulnerable learners. Additionally, urgent public health interventions are needed to mitigate the risk of waterborne diseases in schools with compromised sanitation facilities.
Mohamed Abdiladif, Interim Country Director of Save the Children Kenya & Madagascar, emphasizes the importance of these actions. He stresses that all children have the right to a quality, safe, and inclusive education. Addressing the current crisis requires a coordinated effort to restore educational infrastructure, protect children’s health, and provide psychosocial support.
In conclusion, the recent floods in Kenya have precipitated an urgent educational and public health crisis. The damage to schools and the resulting displacement of nearly half a million learners necessitate immediate and comprehensive government intervention. By prioritizing the repair of school facilities, ensuring the enrollment of displaced children, and addressing health risks, Kenya can begin to mitigate the long-term impacts of this disaster on its youngest citizens.
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