At least 5000 pupils from over 10 schools in Ekerenyo ward, Nyamira County today, Wednesday benefitted from distribution of free rubber shoes by a Non-governmental organization called Children Society, in an effort to fight jigger infestation.
According to the area MCA Thadeus Nyabaro, who coordinated the distribution of the shoes valued at Sh6m, the exercise targeted schools with high incidences of jigger infestation, among them Ekerenyo Primary and Kiamoige Primary schools and more from the neighborhood.
Nyabaro urged both the County and National governments to channel more funds towards the improvement of the infrastructure of the local schools, noting dilapidated mud structures, which passed for classrooms in some schools provided the perfect conditions for jiggers to thrive.
He noted with concern that pupils infested with jiggers performed poorly in schools, and more so in national exams, and called for concerted effort from all stakeholders to fight the menace.
According to the Director of Children Society Irene Clarion, their organisation is committed to see that all those infected are helped in the whole of Nyamira County and called more organizations to chip in and give their help.
She urged parents to ensure their children were brought up under hygienic conditions to prevent jigger infestation and other communicable infections.
She said their organisation was partnering with the government and many other NGOs operating in the area to ensure pupils continued with their education with little interruption as a result of jiggers.