School closed in Uasin Gishu over lack of latrines

Parents dig a pit latrine on May 24, 2018 at Kapsaret Primary School in Uasin Gishu County. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

Kapseret Primary School was closed by Health officials after the school failed to build new latrines.

The school has 248 pupils, 13 teachers and two subordinate staff members.

A primary school in Uasin Gishu has been closed indefinitely over lack of latrines and unfavourable learning conditions.

Kapseret Primary School was closed by Health officials after the school failed to build new latrines after the old ones got full.

The school has 248 pupils, 13 teachers and two subordinate staff members.

POOR SANITATION

Officials from the public Health department in the county toured the school a month ago and threatened to close the school due to the deplorable state of facilities.

In a letter dated May 21, the health officials in Kapseret/Simat gave the school a month to construct new latrines.

Some pupils were forced to relieve themselves in a nearby bush because of lack of latrines.

A letter authorising the closure of the school warned the school administration not  to reopen the school until they get a nod from county officials.

“Reopening of a closed premises without written authority from this office shall lead to a prosecution in a court of law,” the letter read in part.

Parents from the school led by Board of Management chairman John Kemboi said that their efforts to get funds from the Constituency Development Fund kitty to build a new ablution block has been futile.

Mr Kemboi claimed the CDF management team has completely neglected the school which is situated within Kapseret Forest.

On Thursday, parents gathered at the school to construct new latrines.

“We have decided to join hands and build temporary toilets to enable our children come back to school and resume studies as soon as possible,” said Mr Kemboi.