Overview: Floods upend schooling in Trans Nzoia
Seventy-one KCSE candidates from Soymining Secondary School in Trans Nzoia County are now under emergency care after devastating floods swept through their village. The deluge destroyed homes, washed away property, and severed access routes to the school at a critical moment in the national exam season, forcing authorities to mobilize rapid relief for students who must continue their studies despite the disruption.
Immediate relief and shelter arrangements
Local responders, including county officials and humanitarian partners, have established temporary shelters to accommodate the displaced students. The goal is to provide a safe, dry space where learners can study, rest, and receive basic needs such as food, clean water, and sanitation facilities. Volunteers are coordinating transport to ensure students can return to the exam venue when routes are passable and safe.
Impact on students and families
The flooding crisis has intensified concerns about the students’ readiness for the KCSE exams. Many come from households that lost essential belongings and could face ongoing challenges accessing food and study materials. In addition to physical shelter, counselors and educators are offering emotional support to help students cope with the disruption and stay focused on their exam preparation.
What authorities are doing
County disaster response teams, in collaboration with national agencies and non-governmental organizations, are assessing the damage and prioritizing critical needs. Immediate actions include restoring safe passage to the school where possible, delivering learning materials, and coordinating temporary learning spaces that mirror normal classroom environments as closely as possible under current conditions.
Support and long-term recovery
Beyond immediate relief, there is a push to assist students with exam logistics, including transport to exam venues, provision of study aids, and potential adjustments to scheduling if access remains compromised. Community leaders emphasize that continued support is essential to ensure the 71 candidates can complete their KCSE under fair conditions.
How you can help
There are several ways to support affected students: donating to local relief funds, providing menstrual hygiene products and solar-powered lighting for study spaces, or volunteering time with shelters to help maintain a stable learning environment. Community members and expatriates alike can contribute to reputable relief organizations operating in Trans Nzoia to accelerate recovery and minimize disruption to the examination process.
Looking ahead
As the water levels recede and transport routes reopen, educators are optimistic that students will soon resume structured study sessions. The incident underscores the importance of resilient infrastructure and robust disaster planning in safeguarding education, particularly for learners approaching high-stakes exams like the KCSE.
