Trans Nzoia County, Kenya – Seventy-one KCSE candidates from Soymining Secondary School are receiving emergency support and temporary shelter after flash floods swept through their village, destroying homes and cutting off access to their school in the middle of the national exams.
The floods, triggered by days of heavy rainfall, submerged more than 3,100 acres of farmland in Soymining, displacing dozens of families and disrupting the education of candidates who were due to sit their final Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams.
Emergency Relocation to Kobos Schools
To ensure exams continue uninterrupted, county authorities in collaboration with well-wishers and the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) relocated the affected students to AIC Kobos Secondary School.
The 33 male candidates were moved to Kobos Boys’ Secondary School, while 38 female candidates were accommodated at Kobos Girls’ Secondary School, where they are expected to stay for about two weeks.
Trans Nzoia County’s Gender, Youth, Sports, Culture and Tourism Executive Eliud Tormoi, who led the rescue and relief mission, assured the students of continued government support.
“We are committed to ensuring the candidates finish their exams smoothly,” said Tormoi.
“The floods have traumatised many learners who fled their homes with nothing but their school uniforms. We appeal to well-wishers to continue donating food, sanitary products, and personal items.”
County and Community Support
The county government has partnered with local NGOs, churches, and community groups to provide food, bedding, and other essential supplies to the affected learners.
Soymining Secondary School Principal Pamela Lumadede praised the county’s quick response but noted that more help was urgently needed.
“Our students were displaced and some came with nothing. Additional assistance will help them remain comfortable and focused on their exams,” Lumadede said.
At Kobos Girls’ Secondary School, Principal Selina Kirui said the sudden arrival of the 38 female students had stretched their limited resources.
“They came empty-handed because they are day scholars,” Kirui said.
“We urgently need bedding, toiletries, sanitary pads, and soap. These children have been through a crisis, and our duty is to protect their education and dignity.”
Relief Efforts Ongoing
County officials confirmed that displaced families have been relocated to safer grounds as rescue and relief operations continue in affected areas.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that more heavy rainfall is expected in the Rift Valley region, urging residents in flood-prone zones to remain vigilant and move to higher ground.
Education officials have assured parents that all affected candidates will be able to complete their KCSE exams without interruption under close supervision and security.
Impact on Learning and Mental Health
Experts have raised concerns about the psychological impact of the floods on students sitting for national exams.
According to local counsellors, many learners are struggling with anxiety, trauma, and uncertainty after losing their homes and belongings.
“Disasters like this can greatly affect students’ performance,” said Mary Wekesa, a school counsellor in Trans Nzoia.
“We are providing psychological support to help them stay focused and emotionally stable.”
