As schools across the country cautiously reopen amid the aftermath of devastating floods, ensuring the safety and security of learners (Children)must be the top priority.

The scale of the destruction wrought by the floods is staggering. With at least 62 primary schools submerged or destroyed, over 15,000 children are left without access to education.

Moreover, the risk of waterborne diseases looms large, posing a grave threat to the health and safety of our young learners.

The threat of cholera outbreak is one of the challenges facing our education system. With over 30 reported cases along the Tana River and the potential for further spread as children return to school, swift and decisive action is needed to mitigate this risk.

The damage to toilet facilities, with over 20,000 blocks either sunken or severely damaged, poses a significant health hazard to over 1.5 million school children nationwide.

Addressing this issue is paramount to preventing the spread of waterborne diseases and ensuring a safe learning environment for all.

Beyond the physical toll, the floods have taken a profound toll on children’s psychosocial well-being. The loss of family, friends, and familiar environments increases the risk of child labor, teenage pregnancies, and early marriages.

Protecting the mental health and emotional resilience of our children must be a central focus of our response efforts.

As schools reopen amidst the ongoing crisis, we call upon the authorities to prioritize the safety and security of learners above all else.

This entails not only addressing immediate concerns such as the risk of waterborne diseases and flooding but also implementing long-term solutions to build resilience and mitigate the impact of future disasters. Our children’s future depends on it, and we must not fail them in their hour of need.

Copy by Fred Indimuli- host Morning Cafe show