CS Nakhumicha Reveals Cause of Disease Outbreak at Mukumu Girls
Students at Mukumu Girls High School were likely exposed to contaminated water for an extended period of time, resulting in a disease outbreak in March, according to Health CS Susan Nakhumicha.
According to an environmental assessment conducted at the institution, the parallel flow of sewage, spring water, and piped water presented a significant risk of water contamination.
The CS stated that improper waste disposal and blockage of sewage flow resulting in overflow and spillage into the spring and staff quarters were also risk factors.
ALSO READ: New Bill Introduces Formal Certificates for Informal Education
According to Nakhumicha, the large number of students also put a strain on the school’s infrastructure.
She stated in her submissions to the National Assembly that, for instance, all the hostels had exceeded 100 percent of the necessary bed capacity, resulting in overcrowding.
In March, Nakhumicha appeared before the National Assembly to clarify the circumstances surrounding the outbreak of an unidentified disease at Mukumu Girls High School in Kakamega County.
Three students and one teacher died and over one hundred students were hospitalized.
The CS stated that the investigating team collected numerous samples of human, food, and water.
She stated that the laboratory results for human samples, which included stool, blood, and postmortem tissue cultures, had confirmed the presence of multiple disease-causing microorganisms.
ALSO READ: Govt Releases Ksh67 Billion Education Funds To Schools
Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) and Salmonella typhi were the most prevalent organisms.
Salmonella and E. coli infections are transmitted by consuming contaminated water or food containing typhoidal salmonella and E. coli, with asymptomatic carriers playing a significant role in contamination and transmission.
She said that overcrowding, inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) infrastructure, and improper food management practices were risk factors for the transmission of the isolated microorganisms.
The CS said the government has put in place various measures to ensure the afflicted students receive adequate medical treatment and to prevent any future outbreaks in schools across the country.
These include treating the drinking and culinary water on school grounds and ensuring that all food handlers have medical certification.
ALSO READ: New National Exams Rules and Protocols as Kisii School Heads Focus On Preparedness
As part of long-term measures, the ministry has strengthened disease surveillance in Kenyan schools through the subcounty coordinators of disease surveillance.
She mentioned that community engagement activities had been conducted around Khayega market to address the safety of the maize being sold, and she also confirmed that the maize in question did not originate from Mukumu Girls.
The ministry has also increased waterborne disease prevention advocacy in community forums such as churches and community barazas.
The ministry also collaborates with other division ministries, such as the Ministry of Education, to enforce the implementation of the National School Health Policy and the Comprehensive School Health Programme in order to enhance food safety and protect the health of students and staff.
ALSO READ: 160 Best Teachers Awarded In Machakos for Exemplary Performance
Already, a store clerk who was fired by the school for allegedly accepting contaminated cereals that killed three students and a teacher has filed an unlawful termination suit against the institution.
Chrisantus Mulimi, who was terminated on June 28, 2023, was hired as a store clerk by the school on October 7, 2017.
He has named Jane Mmbone, the school principal, as the respondent in her capacity as secretary of the school board of management.
He wants the court to rule that his alleged dismissal from the school was unprocedural, arbitrary, punitive, and illegal.
ALSO READ: Over 3,000 Students Risk of Missing University Funding as Application Deadline Looms
CS Nakhumicha Reveals Cause of Disease Outbreak at Mukumu Girls
