The government will facilitate the removal of cancer-causing asbestos roofing from Mugumoini Primary School in Thika, Kiambu County. The move aims to protect learners from the harmful waste discharged into the environment daily.
Speaking when she made an impromptu visit to the school that enjoys a population of over 1,000 learners, 97 percent of whom come from humble backgrounds, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's spouse, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, vowed to pursue the removal of the naturally occurring fibrous silicate mineral that has for decades been used as building insulation, wiring insulation, roofing and in many building materials.
Asbestos contains hazardous materials with beautiful fibres suspended in the air for hours. Handling it without caution may cause serious chronic health problems such as asbestosis and lung cancer.
The second lady who schooled at Mugumoini Primary when she was living at the sprawling Kiandutu Slums said the school will also undergo an immediate facelift to better the learning environment of learners, most of whom pursue studies empty-stomached.
The school's roofing has remained intact since the institution was established in the 1970s.
"These asbestoses are a health hazard to our children and we will look for the best way to dispose of them. We will also do the school's lab and see how we can improve the children's playfield," the second lady stated.
She also insisted that with the improved state of the institution, learners will perform better while teachers will be motivated to serve.
Among other things, Pastor Dorcas vowed to pursue the establishment of new classrooms, the installation of computer labs alongside the construction of a better playfield that is currently in a deplorable state.
On her part, the school headteacher Nancy Kariuki lauded the second lady's move saying the development will go a long way in helping them improve education standards for the learners who he said have sometimes been surviving without food.
"Some of our pupils here have been surviving without lunch. This has negatively affected their learning. We thank God that former students led by pastor Dorcus are coming back to help us dignify the standards of our school for improved performance," teacher Kariuki said.
