Pastoral communities in arid and semi-arid areas of Lelan in Pokot South Constituency, West Pokot County, are calling on the government to install lightning arrestors in schools and other public facilities to protect learners, communities and their animals from frequent lightning strikes during the rainy season.
The residents say lightning has become a serious threat in the area, with some families reportedly losing children and livestock, while others who have survived strikes have been left with permanent disabilities.
Teacher and resident Salome Asiloreng said learners often live in fear whenever it rains, as thunderstorms and lightning strikes are common in the area. She called for urgent intervention to prevent further loss of lives.
Asiloreng said schools should be prioritised in the installation of lightning protection systems because learners and teachers spend most of their day in classrooms and remain vulnerable whenever storms occur.
Parent and resident Joan Lomeri said lightning strikes have also affected livelihoods, with some farmers losing livestock. She said some survivors have reportedly suffered injuries and disabilities, adding that the impact extends beyond loss of life to household incomes.
Head teacher of Lulu Junior School, Paulo Peitoruk, urged the national government to install lightning arrestors in both public and private schools across Lelan Ward. He said areas including Chesupet, Sondani, Kipat and Chepkono frequently experience lightning during the rainy season.
Peitoruk said some learners have already been affected by lightning strikes, raising concerns over their safety and the long-term consequences for victims. He made the appeal during a PP2 graduation ceremony at Lulu Junior School.
Resident Simon Daimoi urged authorities to assess schools and other public facilities in Lelan and neighbouring areas of Pokot South to identify institutions facing the greatest risk and prioritise them for immediate intervention.
The residents want the Government, education authorities and local communities to work together to install lightning arrestors and strengthen safety measures, saying preventive action is urgently needed to protect learners, teachers, families and livestock from further deaths and injuries.
