Nakuru residents want Education department to postpone opening dates of Schools in the area following the outbreak of cholera which has claimed around nine lives so far.
They said that the disease could spread more if pupils and students go to schools.
“Our children are at risk and clearly the health department is doing nothing to curb the disease. We fear that we might have more casualties if our children contract it while in schools,” said Jane Mukami, a parent from the area.
Josephine Waweru, another resident cited that she would not allow her children back to school until the situation is contained.
“It is not worth the risk. Despite the public awareness, there is the risk of the children ignoring it and sharing the bacteria,” said Waweru.
Cratter Primary School Head-Teacher Janet Okota cited that lack of water in various Schools could also be one of the reason the disease might spread in learning institutions.
“Our supply was cut off and the children might easily get contamination from sharing drinking water which they sip from one person to another,” said Okota.
Meanwhile, Nakuru County Public Health Officer Samuel Kingori has started an anti-cholera campaign in Schools and churches.
Kingori cited that he had sent extension officers to the public facilities to inform the residents about the outbreak as one way of controlling it.
“We want to create as much public awareness as possible. We do not want any more people to contract the disease which has so far claimed nine lives,” said Kingori pointing out that they were issuing aqua tabs for treating the drinking water in the area.