Over 100 schools face closure owing to drought, water crisis in Baringo

BY JOSEPH KANGOGO

More than 100 schools in Baringo County are on the verge of closure due to water crisis resulting in ongoing toll of drought across the country.

Reportedly the dry spell has adversely hit the lower parts of Baringo North, Tiaty and Baringo South sub-counties inhabited by the Pokot, Tugen and Ilchamus pastoral communities.

In Tiaty Sub-county, some 30 schools are facing closures due to acute water shortage, according to Silale Member of County Assembly (MCA) Nelson Lotela.

Lotela who spoke to the Star today(Sunday) in Kabarnet town listed the worst hit primary schools as Natan, Doplen, Riongo, Naudo, Nasorot, Silale, Nalekat and Napeikore in his ward saying they will be closed any time this week is nothing is done to address the situation.

He calls upon the county government to speed up emergency funds to salvage over 2,000 school-going children from terminating their learning, saying over 20 ECD centres were also closed due to water shortage.

“There is sufficient school feeding foodstuff in Riongo primary school but there was no water for cooking” Said Mr Lotela, adding that the nearby water source  where the children used to collect water dried up last week owing to  harsh climatic condition.

At risk also, he said were imminent closure Riongo, Doplen and Akwichatis health centres following similar problem.

In Baringo North sub-county, 12 schools are on the verge of closure due to water shortage according to Saimo/Kipsaraman Ward MCA Richard Kampala.

Kampala listed the most endangered schools as Kagir, Kosile, Ngaratuko, Moinonin, Kapsebeiwa, Kamenjo, Akoroyan, Arusin, Kapkoles, Chebarsiat, Chepkoi and Barsuswo primary schools.

He also said some 600 households in Akoroyan, Loruk and Yatia sub-locations are forced to travel 20 kilometres to Lake Baringo to get water for domestic use and water their livestock.

The MCA blamed the situation to suspected Pokot cattle rustlers who attacked the area last year and vandalized the boreholes and stole mortars, 10 solar panels and pipes that used to supply water in the area.

Due to water scarcity, "it that might force head teachers to close the schools indefinitely this week," He said.

Elsewhere along the Kerio Valley, residents have been forced to crossover the drying up Kerio River to grace and water their animals in the neighbouring Elgeyo/Marakwet County.

Barwessa Ward MCA Joseph Makilap regretted losing over 500 heads of cattle in the area so far due as the draught toll escalates.

He said situation might even get worse if the rains delay until next month, noting the affected schools as Kuikui, Ayatya, Torolokwonin, Barwessa, Marigut and Kinyach.