Governor Natembeya Rallies Support for Flood-Affected KCSE Candidates in Trans Nzoia

 

 Seventy-one Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) candidates from Soymining Secondary School in Trans Nzoia County have received food and essential supplies from the County Flood Response Team, in partnership with the Kenya Red Cross, after their families were displaced by recent floods.

The students, who are currently sitting their national examinations, were forced to relocate to A.I.C. Kobos Secondary School, which has been serving as a temporary learning and examination center following the destruction of their homes by flash floods that swept through the Soymining area earlier this month.

Speaking during the distribution exercise, Governor George Natembeya expressed deep concern over the plight of the affected learners, assuring them of the county government’s continued commitment to their welfare and academic success.

“These students are our children, and their dreams must not be washed away by the floods,” said Governor Natembeya. “We are working tirelessly with the Kenya Red Cross and other partners to make sure they have food, shelter, and a conducive environment to continue with their examinations.”

The governor noted that the county government had mobilized rapid response teams immediately after reports of displacement emerged. Through coordinated efforts with the County Department of Education, the Kenya Red Cross, and local administrators, emergency relief supplies — including foodstuffs, clean water, mattresses, blankets, sanitary towels, and revision materials — were delivered to ensure minimal disruption to the students’ academic programs.

“We are grateful to our partners for their quick response. Their generosity and compassion have made it possible for our students to continue their exams in dignity,” Natembeya added. “Education is the great equalizer, and no child should be left behind because of a natural disaster.”

The governor also underscored the importance of psychosocial support for learners who have endured trauma as a result of the floods. He said the county had deployed trained counselors and education officers to provide guidance and mental health assistance to the affected candidates.

“It is not enough to give them food and shelter; we must also take care of their emotional well-being,” he said. “These young people have gone through a distressing experience, and as a county, we are determined to walk with them until the last paper.”

Governor Natembeya further urged parents, teachers, and community leaders to continue working together to support learners in times of crisis. He reiterated that education remains one of his administration’s top priorities, and that disaster preparedness programs will be strengthened to protect schools and learning facilities from future calamities.

“We have seen how unpredictable climate change has become. Floods, landslides, and droughts are now part of our reality,” he observed. “As a county, we will invest more in infrastructure, drainage, and early warning systems to ensure that learning is not interrupted.”

The Kenya Red Cross Trans Nzoia Branch Manager, Ms. Mercy Nalianya, commended the county government for its swift response and partnership in assisting the affected learners. She said the organization remains committed to working with local authorities to provide humanitarian relief and safeguard education continuity during emergencies.

The floods, which were triggered by days of heavy rainfall across parts of the Rift Valley and Western Kenya, have displaced hundreds of families and destroyed several homes, roads, and farms. In Trans Nzoia, Soymining and its neighboring areas have been among the hardest hit, with several households forced to seek refuge in churches and public schools.

Despite the hardships, the affected KCSE candidates expressed gratitude for the support they have received. One of the students, Mary Chepkorir, said the timely intervention had restored their hope and allowed them to concentrate on their exams.

“We were worried that we wouldn’t finish our exams after losing our homes,” Chepkorir said. “But now we have food, a place to stay, and the encouragement we need. We thank the governor and everyone who helped us.”

Governor Natembeya concluded by assuring residents that his administration would not relent until all displaced families are resettled and the affected schools are rehabilitated.

“This tragedy has reminded us of the resilience of our people and the power of working together,” he said. “As your governor, I remain deeply committed to ensuring that every learner in Trans Nzoia attains academic excellence, regardless of the challenges posed by natural calamities. No child will be left behind.”