Learners stranded as floods sweep across Samburu

Hundreds of learners at Loikas Primary School in Samburu were on Tuesday, September 20 stranded after a heavy downpour Tuesday morning leading to Loikas stream bursting its banks and rendering the area impassable.

The raging waters made it impossible for either parents or learners to cross to either side.

According to Mrs Mercilna Lesilampa, a board member and a parent in the school, floods hit the area every rainy season, causing deaths of residents in the town.

“It is not the first time this has happened, and of all the roads across the school, none has a bridge,” said Mrs Lesilampa.

Motorists in the area were forced to abandon their cars and motorbikes.

“Our motorbikes cannot pass through the thick waters, it is too much,” said a motorcyclist.

The residents are now calling on the national and county governments to intervene and construct bridges across the stream.

“These floods are dangerous. One time they swept away an elephant. The county officials and the national government should help us and build bridges across the stream. Our children are at risk of drowning,” said Mrs Lesilampa.

Written by Atieno Mboya