Over 600 pupils sent home as school closed over poor sanitation

Over 600 pupils at Nyagachi DEB Primary School in Nyamira County will have to change schools after officers from public health closed the school indefinitely citing poor sanitary conditions.

The public health officers reached the decision to close down the school saying it was a health hazard to the pupils.

Nyamira South Public Health Officer, Mike Nyakoe, said the institution did not meet the public health standards and, therefore, had to be shut down.

“We won’t risk to keep children in this environment however much we want them to learn. I, therefore, close this school with immediate effect and direct that the facility be out of bound to children until the above conditions are met,” said Nyakoe.

The headteacher, Ms Mary Aunga, confirmed the closure of the institution saying the classrooms were not in good condition and the pit latrines were full.

Aunga further noted that the classrooms had visible cracks which posed danger to the pupils.

However, speaking on phone, area Member of parliament, James Gesami, refuted the claims and termed the move as politically instigated.

He said he was in the process of issuing a cheque to the school for the construction of the pit latrines.