- Makere Primary School was swept away by the River Tana leaving teachers and students conducting their activities under trees.
- Others include Ndura Primary, Nyangwani Primary, Chanani Secondary and Hola Township.
Image: HANDOUT
Galole Constituency Member of Parliament Said Hiribae has appealed for monetary support to rebuild schools affected by floods.
The constituency which is within Tana River county is among those worst hit by floods that have left a trail of destruction across the country.
Hiribae on Thursday said two schools with a population of 2,000 learners had been washed away by the floods into the River Tana.
The legislator raised concern that four other schools were submerged and hence inhabitable.
The constituency will require Sh300 million to rebuild schools that have been affected by floods on higher grounds.
"We have more than 3,000 learners currently at home, they can't go to school or access any school compared to other learners," Hiribae said.
It is estimated that Sh3.1 billion will be required to fix schools across the entire Tana River county.
He added: "They are disadvantaged this term and hence as a leader, I need urgent monetary help for their sake," he said.
Among schools the legislator is seeking to rebuild include Makere Primary School which has been swept away by the River Tana leaving teachers and students conducting their activities under trees.
Image: HANDOUT
Others include Ndura Primary, Nyangwani Primary, Chanani Secondary and Hola Township.
Hiribae has since laid a foundation stone for eight classrooms for Makere Primary School on a higher ground even as children continue with studies under trees.
Hiribae noted that whereas President William Ruto's call to MPs to rebuild school infrastructure is noble, the kitty is not enough for Tana River's case, hence a need for a special budget.
He reiterated that each school requires at least 14 classrooms, 10 lavatories, a kitchen and an administration block for more than 15 teachers, a need the CDF kitty cannot manage at the moment.
"We are headed towards the end of the financial year and some of these projects may be difficult to accomplish without a special budget, " he said.
Further, the legislator appealed to the Ministry of Education to allocate more funds to Tana River schools to allow them to accommodate more students.
He raised concern that the majority of the schools will soon be overcrowded.
Image: HANDOUT
This, he also advised should be backed with more temporary infrastructure like tents that can be used by the students against the scorching sun.
"Attention should now focus on Tana River County, this is the area that is currently receiving all the water from upcountry. Our children may not learn this term if our plight is not addressed with the seriousness it requires, " he said.
His sentiments have also been echoed by Tana River Civil Society Organizations chairperson John Dhadho.
He appealed to capable organisations across the country to rally their support for schools in the county.
"We have had some of the big organisations like Welthungerhilfe, USAID, European Union, UNDP and FAO among others coming to our rescue at such time, let them not back off, they can use the civil society within to channel that support to the people, "he said.
Dhadho noted that the county will need more financial help to come out of its current situation, as the floods have gobbled gains of devolution made in the last six years.