In response to the devastating floods that struck Tana River County in March 2024, the national government of Kenya has pledged to permanently relocate several schools in the affected areas.
“We have set aside funds that will be topped up with the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NGCDF) for construction of classrooms and improving infrastructure in schools,” Machogu stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to addressing the crisis.
Education CS Visit to Tana River
This announcement came during a visit to the region by Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, accompanied by Kelo Arsama, Principal Secretary for Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL), and Ali Wario, Member of Parliament for Garsen.
The delegation toured schools and Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Tana Delta Sub County, witnessing firsthand the extensive damage caused by the floods.
Cabinet Secretary Machogu revealed that the ministry had already allocated funds for both renovating existing schools and relocating others to ensure the continuity of education in the region.
The severity of the situation became apparent as it was disclosed that at least 22 schools in Tana Delta Sub County had been submerged by floodwaters, with many still waterlogged months later.
This natural disaster has significantly disrupted the education of thousands of learners in the area.
Shortage of Teachers in Tana River County
Addressing the teacher shortage in Tana River County, Machogu announced plans to deploy additional educators to the region.
He also encouraged local parents to consider sending their children to Teachers Training Colleges as a long-term solution to the area’s reliance on teachers from other parts of Kenya.
“I have seen you have a shortage of 297 teachers and as a ministry we are going to send more teachers this year so that we can bridge that gap,” Machogu explained. He added, “Education is the only equalizer and we have vacancies in the teaching profession but in Tana River very few have the qualifications and I want to challenge parents to take their children for teaching courses so that they can be employed here instead of you depending on teachers from other regions.”
Member of Parliament Ali Wario expressed gratitude for the government’s commitment to resettling IDPs on higher ground to prevent future flood-related destruction.
He also advocated for the establishment of a teacher training college in Garsen to address the local teacher shortage, saying,
“Many schools were affected by floods and many are in camps but we want a teacher training college in Garsen so that we can have local teachers.”
