The demolition affected an ECD school and a neighbouring church along Kisumu-Kakamega Road.
County officials question approval for the demolition of an ECD school and neighbouring church, and promise alternative learning arrangements.
Kisumu school demolition has prompted the county government to promise legal action against those responsible. The destruction affected Joel Omino Community Group of Kenya (CGK) Early Childhood Development School and a neighbouring church along Kisumu-Kakamega Road.
The school had 24 learners, including 14 boys and 10 girls. Their immediate learning arrangements remained uncertain after the demolition.
Education County Executive Committee Member John Awiti led county officials to the site on Sunday to assess the damage. He said the incident surprised the county and raised concerns about the welfare of affected children.
Kisumu school demolition raises approval questions
Awiti questioned how those behind the demolition conducted it, particularly amid claims that a court order may have been involved. However, the county had yet to establish the circumstances surrounding the operation.
He said anyone enforcing a court order should follow due process and consider the children’s welfare. Awiti also regretted the lack of prior communication to relevant county officials before the school community discovered the destruction.
Meanwhile, Acting City Manager Fredrick Mariwa said preliminary information placed the demolition at around 2am. His office had neither received a demolition request nor issued a certificate for the exercise, he said.
Mariwa maintained that the property belonged to the county and that city administrators knew of no authorisation. He added that investigations were underway to identify those responsible and warned that anyone found culpable would face action.
Staff recover furniture after overnight destruction
School centre manager Felista Wanjiru said a caller informed her about the demolition at approximately 5am. She then rushed to the site and found church members trying to recover their belongings.
School officials who arrived on Sunday morning found both buildings already demolished. The destruction also damaged some school furniture, including chairs, tables and cupboards, Wanjiru said.
However, staff recovered some property and moved it to another school for safekeeping. The damage left the centre unable to immediately resume classes at the site, Awiti said.
County plans alternative classes and legal response
Awiti said the incident had traumatised learners. The county will therefore consult parents about alternative learning arrangements while examining the matter legally.
He added that the county cabinet would discuss the next course of action. Meanwhile, Chief Officer for Education Bovince Ochieng said the county had reported the incident to relevant authorities.
Ochieng said the county would also involve its attorney to support investigations. He promised measures to provide a safe learning space and minimise further disruption to the children’s education.
