The Nakuru County government spent Sh4 million for the construction of six pit latrines in four different schools within the county.
In a press release, county CeC Samuel Mwaura, said that it was important to have the facilities constructed, and hopes it will improve the health status of the schools.
In addition, Mwaura said primary schools in the area also benefited from some health facilities set up by Non-Government Organisations (NGOs).
“During the same period, ten primary schools like Kaptebwa and Kivumbini primary schools among others within Nakuru East and West benefited from sanitary facilities set up by NGOs, improving their health status,” the statement added.
Mwaura revealed that more funds are required to streamline school sanitation, attributing the inadequate sanitation in more than 90 per cent of the schools to the lack of connection to sewerage services.
“We have also noted that most urban schools water supplies have been disconnected due to unpaid water bills. The fact that there is no rain water harvesting for drinking, hand washing and cleansing services is also a huge problem. In most rural schools there is also acute shortage of sanitary facilities,” he added.
He also pointed out that the high number of pupils in the schools make it difficult for them to manage.
“The high population of pupils in most schools for example Milimani primary in Naivasha has more than 2,500 pupils and Mirera primary has over 3000 pupils so it is hard to manage them. The high water tariffs and bills are also a major challenge,” he added.
The county has a total of approximately 620 public primary schools with a total population of 358,811 pupils.