Editor's note: You can read this report here: Impact of 2024 floods on schools
In June this year, the Elimu Bora Working Group (EBWG) conducted a rapid survey to assess the impact of the 2024 floods on schools across Kenya.
The survey, covering 60 schools in nine counties, revealed significant challenges in the education sector following the disaster.
These counties were studied and revealed deadly impact of the floods: Nairobi, Kiambu, Kisumu, and Busia. Others were Homabay, Baringo, Nakuru, Tana River, and Kilifi.
The survey's key findings painted a troubling picture of the post-flood educational landscape: more than 62 primary schools were submerged, putting 15,000 students at risk of missing school; 34 cases of cholera were reported along the Tana River; and over 20,000 toilets were damaged by the floods.
The surveyed schools experienced a nine percent decrease in overall student population, with female students and those with special needs disproportionately affected.
There was widespread infrastructure damage that left many schools with non-functional facilities.
Some buildings remained unsafe but were occupied due to lack of alternatives.
Most schools were found to lack proper disaster response and coordination frameworks, hindering effective crisis management.
Alarmingly, less than 20 percent of schools surveyed received financial or material assistance for reconstruction or repairs from the government.
Many students returned to school weeks late due to impassable roads, causing them to fall behind in their studies.
Some schools had collapsed latrines and damaged water sources, which posed serious health risks to students and staff.
Additionally, the schools failed to incorporate necessary mental health and psychosocial support for affected students, teachers, and staff.
In the study, EBWG recommends for the:
- Development of comprehensive emergency and disaster response strategies for all schools, involving all stakeholders.
- Implementation of flood mitigation measures, including proper drainage systems and elevated construction.
- Establishment of a structured school infrastructure development, improvement, and maintenance program.
- Implementation of a collaborative, multi-stakeholder recovery approach after disasters, incorporating flood mitigation measures into physical planning systems, and developing ongoing training and capacity development programs focused on disaster preparedness, prevention, response, and mitigation.
