Bee and Elephant Raids Disrupt Learning at Namanga School
Learning at Oloolarroi Primary School in Namanga, Kajiado County, has been severely disrupted as pupils and teachers struggle with repeated invasions by bees and elephants.
On a normal school day, pupils and teachers were forced out of classrooms after swarms of bees invaded several blocks, bringing lessons to a halt. Teachers and learners turned to making makeshift beehives in an attempt to redirect the bees away from learning areas.
A number of pupils were stung during the invasion, including Grade 7 pupil Immanuel Lechi, who said the stings caused his face to swell but remained hopeful about his dream of becoming a farmer.
Teacher Clare, who handles lower classes, was also stung on her arm, which later swelled.
As we speak, Grade 3 is displaced because the bees have occupied the entire classroom, she said.
According to the school administration, the bee menace has persisted for two years, compounded by frequent visits from wild animals such as elephants, buffaloes and snakes. Both pupils and teachers risk encountering these animals during their daily commute.
Headteacher Frederick M. said the problem is worsened by the region’s harsh climate.
High temperatures, sometimes reaching up to 39 degrees Celsius, influence learning and increase bee activity, he said.
He noted that the school’s offices had also been invaded, forcing administrative work to stop.
Located deep in the bush, the school has also become a hotspot for regular wildlife encounters, with snakebites posing an almost daily risk.
Teachers believe the school’s performance can improve only if the environmental and wildlife challenges are addressed. Meanwhile, pupils continue to assist in creating beehives as a temporary solution, hoping to keep the bees away long enough to resume normal learning.