Storm Ravages Kisumu School, Nine Students Hospitalized

A severe storm struck St. Aloys Mayenya Secondary School in Kisumu East Sub-county on Wednesday evening resulting in nine students being hospitalized.

The storm, which followed heavy rainfall, caused extensive damage to the school's infrastructure, tearing off roofs from classrooms, teachers' offices, and the staffroom. School principal Judith Atieno confirms that while the injured students had been discharged after receiving treatment for minor injuries, the incident has raised concerns about the immediate resumption of classes. The destruction has left many students in shock, complicating efforts to restore normalcy. Atieno emphasized the urgent need for assistance from both the local community and government to rebuild the damaged facilities, particularly as the affected classrooms are critical for candidates preparing for upcoming national examinations.

This incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened weather-related challenges in the region. The Kenya Meteorological Department had previously issued warnings about heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across the country. In Kisumu County alone, flooding has displaced over 5,000 residents, submerging homes and forcing families into evacuation centres. The storm's impact on St Aloys Mayenya Secondary School has reignited discussions about student safety in Kenyan schools, especially in light of recent tragedies such as the Endarasha inferno that claimed over 21 student lives.

In response to these incidents, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has mandated all regional education officers to enforce the Ministry's safety policy rigorously. A report from the Auditor General has highlighted significant gaps in emergency and safety response mechanisms within schools, particularly in boarding institutions. This assessment reiterates the pressing need for comprehensive reforms to enhance preparedness for emergencies. Meanwhile, the community has rallied to support the school's reconstruction efforts amid a growing call for improved safety measures and disaster preparedness in educational institutions across Kenya.