By Christopher Omondi.
Kisumu Polytechnic and Joyland Special School for Physically Handicapped in Kisumu County are really affected during the rainy seasons by floods and mud due to the poor drainage systems in the area. The Kenya Urban Roads Authority recently built an access road connecting Poly-view Estate and the Institutions on Technology Road, leaving students operating in flooded and swampy routes.
Kisumu Polytechnic is mostly affected at the main gate area, the administration block, the food and beverage block and also the fields, affecting students and staff who operate in the respective area.
“The responsible authority really needs to do something as it is getting out of hand. Floods come straight from Ondiek Estate, Moi Stadium, and other parts around Makasembo straight into our school since there are insufficient drainage to channel the running water into River Auji, which passes just behind our school. In most cases, we have classes suspended as a result of the floods in the main gate area, which is always there even when the rains are not so intense. The extracurricular activities, such as Rugby and Football, are also affected as the fields are often swampy. ’’ claimed Pinto Oyoo
As for the Joyland Special School, the rains have a huge impact as they affect the movement of the students who mostly use crutches to move around at the school. As a result, students miss out on a lot of activities that are included in the syllabus to keep them active.
“Joyland Special School is always really affected by the floods and in most cases, learning is halted to accommodate the weather conditions. These situations lead to change in routine as much time is used to ensure everyone is safe. Students suffer from psychological trauma as a result of their conditions’’, said Emily Akinyi, who is a caregiver at the institution.
It is unfair that to the students of both Kisumu Polytechnic and Joyland Special School are prevented from getting the services they deserve by a proper drainage system. Residents are calling on lasting solution to the matter.
