Dilemma for flood victims sheltered in schools as students eye resumption

Over the past couple of weeks, many families have sought shelter in schools, churches, and community halls following devastating floods that swept away their homes and belongings. 

While some have managed to find new accommodations, a significant number remain stranded in makeshift camps with the government's directive to reopen schools.

Why Not Academy

At Why Not Academy, a community school that initially housed over 150 flood victims in the Mashimoni area of Mabatini in Mathare, Nairobi, approximately 50 individuals have yet to know where to go. 

Risper Litanga, a mother of two, has been staying at the institution since the floods damaged her home two weeks ago, but she's still struggling to secure alternative housing. 

"I'm feeling frustrated. We lost everything. Our home, documents, and even the kids' school uniforms. It's disheartening not knowing where to turn next," an embattled Litanga lamented while speaking to the Eastleigh Voice. 

She fears their stay in school will be cut short once classes resume.

"The government promised us rent, but we haven't seen any support yet," she adds. "And with schools reopening, the children don't even have books. The situation is overwhelming."

Litanga referred to President William Ruto’s pledge to provide Sh10,000 to each of the 40,000 families affected by floods. 

While addressing residents of the Kiamaiko area of Mathare on Monday, May 6, Ruto added that his administration will further give them the money for their 3-month rent as it seeks to resettle them.

Many other flood victims who feel abandoned and uncertain about their future concurred with Litanga's sentiment.

Phylis Awinja, a mother of three children seeking refuge at Why Not Primary School, also expressed her frustration to the Eastleigh Voice saying, "I haven't received the rent money the government promised. If you manage to find a house, landlords demand cash rent and are unwilling to negotiate. I honestly don't know what to do or where to start.

According to Phylis, they have been relying on Dishi na County for support, but today marks the end of the distribution.

Dishi na County is a school feeding initiative providing nutritious meals to over 200,000 primary school and ECDE learners in public schools within Nairobi County. 

Mitchell Achieng, a Form Three seeking refuge at Twaweza Pamoja Camp in Mathare after her family was affected by floods in April 2024. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

Teacher Paul Apiyo of Why Not Primary School in Mashimoni revealed that the floods had significantly impacted the school. However, due to the community seeking refuge there, they had to accommodate them.

"We are ready to welcome the children back to school, but we are concerned about attendance because many of the parents and children who come here were affected by the floods," stated Teacher Paul.

According to him, Why Not Primary School still has 50 people whom they are uncertain how to address.

"We have only a few days left. By Friday, we will ask the people to relocate because we need to prepare the classrooms. Since the government has announced that they should provide a solution," added Apiyo.

Happy Starr Academy

Margaret Mbone, a mother of six, is still seeking refuge at another school, Happy Starr Academy, in the Mashimoni area. 

Mbone lamented the neglect they have endured during this season and urged the government to uphold its promise.  

"We've witnessed situations where people unaffected by the floods received aid while many genuine victims were left out, despite being on the list. Instead of using the list, they distributed food based on queues, allowing anyone to receive aid," Margaret shared.

She, along with her six children, feel stranded in the facility. "I'm reaching out to friends to accommodate some of my children as I search for a way out. However, it's challenging because many houses only have single rooms. So far, I haven't heard of anyone receiving government assistance," said Margaret.

She mentioned that she has no choice but to prioritise finding alternative accommodation before considering schooling for her children.

"My children will have to stay home until I stabilise because I don't have any job or means to relocate. I just have to hope and pray.” 

Margaret is not the only one at the school grappling with the repercussions of unfulfilled promises as they wait in despair, clinging to hope for assistance.

Risper Litanga, one of the people evicted from Mashimoni riparian land, has been camping at Why Not Primary School, in Mathare, Nairobi, in May 2024, pondering her next move as schools are set to reopen on May 13, 2024. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

Twaweza Pamoja Camp

17-year-old Mitchell Achieng, a Form Three student at Twaweza Pamoja Camp, shared her frustration with the current circumstances.

"I lost all my books in the floods, and with schools set to reopen, I'm unsure how it will unfold since my mother hasn't found a place for us yet and is still searching for funds," expressed Achieng.

She added that she feels overwhelmed but remains optimistic that aid will eventually arrive.

President William Ruto ordered all schools to resume classes on Monday, May 13. Speaking at State House on Wednesday, Ruto stated that the government had assessed the situation and was confident in the safety of the students. 

"After evaluating reports from weather experts and the Government of Kenya, we have determined that it is now safe to reopen schools. Necessary measures have been taken, including urging Members of Parliament and allocating resources through the NG-CDF for repairing classrooms and other educational facilities nationwide.”

“Therefore, all schools will reopen on Monday next week, and parents are encouraged to prepare their children for school," stated President Ruto.

The government had initially postponed the reopening of schools from April 29 to May 6 before settling on the new date. 

Phyllis Awinja, one of the flood-affected victims sitting on a mattress at Why Not Camp in the Mashimoni area within Mabatini ward in Mathare, Nairobi, on May 8. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)