By Emmanuel kipruto
Concern is growing at Kapkondor Primary School in Kipkelion East after some of the school’s toilet facilities were found to have sunk, raising questions about the safety and sanitation of learners as schools prepare to reopen.
On a visit to the school, I noticed that the affected toilet structures are in a worrying condition, with sections appearing to have sunk into the ground and walls have fallen. The situation has raised concern among members of the community, particularly because learners are expected to resume their studies soon. The condition of the sanitation facilities could expose pupils to safety and hygiene risks if urgent intervention is not undertaken.
Kapkondor Primary School and Junior Secondary is a public mixed day school serving families in the surrounding community. Publicly available school information places the institution in Kipkelion East, Kericho County. “We are worried because our children will soon be back in school. These toilets are already sinking, and we do not want to wait until an accident happens before something is done. We are asking the authorities to intervene before the learners return,” the parent who requested to remain anonymous said.
The parent further called for the affected facilities to be repaired or replaced to ensure learners have access to safe and hygienic sanitation facilities. The situation has also renewed calls for greater attention to basic infrastructure in schools, particularly sanitation facilities that are essential to the health, dignity and safety of learners.
The Kericho Youth Policy Network is now calling on the relevant education authorities, the school administration, the National Government Constituency Development Fund and other stakeholders to treat the situation as an emergency and urgently assess the situation and take appropriate action before learners return to class.
The concern comes at a time when proper sanitation remains an important part of creating a safe and conducive learning environment. A recent report concerning a school in Kipkelion East also highlighted concerns around water and sanitation, underscoring the need for attention to basic facilities in schools across the area.
Parents and the wider community are expected to seek answers on whether the affected toilets will be repaired, replaced or temporarily secured before learners resume classes.
The immediate priority should be to ensure that learners have access to safe, functional and hygienic sanitation facilities when they return to school.
The situation at Kapkondor Primary School therefore calls for swift intervention rather than waiting until the problem becomes more serious. Will the relevant authorities act before learners return to school?
