Written by Frankline Bwire 2012-07-12 21:07:00 Read 734 Times

A standard six pupil at Ikonzo primary school in Butula district, Busia County died on the spot after being stricken by lightning as he was headed home from school. [PHOTO | Frankline Bwire | West Fm]

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Busia branch has called on the government through the ministry of education to provide lightning arresters to all schools in the country.

Led by executive secretary Mark Oseno, the branch officials said the government should ensure all structures in schools are installed with the equipment to prevent teachers, students and pupils from being struck by lightning.

“Let the government provide these implements and make it a policy in all the schools to get rid of thunder calamities.”

Speaking to journalists in Busia town, they said that it was quite shocking following the escalating incidences of lightning especially in Busia County, which have affected more than 10 schools leaving pupils and teachers nursing serious injuries.

Read:Lightning strikes 4, leaving scores injured in Lugari, Matungu and Butula Districts

“Within a span of two years lightning has stricken more than ten schools in Busia County including Kingandole, Bwaliro, Burinda, Lwanya and Mundika,” said Oseno, citing a recent incident at Ikonzo primary school where a standard six pupil died on the spot after being struck by lightning.

Accompanied by the branch chairman Nyumba Musundi and the treasurer Gervas, the executive secretary also urged the government to consider providing lightning arresters in worship, market and other public places in a bid to protect the local residents from deaths attributed by lightning.

The Busia deputy police boss Francis Nguli advised the county residents to exercise caution as they undertake their duties following the rains that have continued to pound several parts of the country to protect them from the disaster.

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