Schools Face Closure Over Jigger Infestation

The infestation has tremendiously increased and affected a great number of Samburu central residents inclusive of the lower primary school pupils.

Kenya Red Cross coordinator Mr. Mugambi Gitonga confirmed that the slum areas are the most affected and said that if the situation continues, schools will be closed down.

The citizen crew visited some schools and ascertained that pupils’ enrollment especially in lower primary was so low due to jiggers infestation.

Adoru, Lounai and Lporos primary schools will soon  be closed as most of the children are affected and not in the capacity to walk.

Mr Motora, a teacher at Lporos, confirmed that the infestation had affected education, and that enrollment had dropped due to many children being sick and not being able to walk to school.

Public health officer Mr Moses Sinoti said that the cause of jiggers was the poor state of the environment and urged all the stake holders to intervene and eradicate the menace.

The county government accepted that jiggers had become a menace near slum schools surrounding Maralal town, and put up a plan to liase with experts to control the menace.

By Bonareri Nyamoita