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The Kisumu-based Community Initiative Action Group Kenya (CIAGK) has raised the red flag over alleged scheme to grab part of Highway Primary School by some unknown forces.

The lobby group claims that those behind the scheme are planning to use the grabbed land to extend Kibuye Market onto the school grounds.

The organization, dedicated to promoting community development and advocating for vulnerable groups, has warned that the encroachment would impact negatively on the future of the school’s expansion and development.

According to Chris Owalla, Director of CIAGK, the planned extension of the market poses serious threats to the school.

“We will not stand by while our children’s safety and learning environment are compromised,” Owalla declared to the press.

“This planned encroachment would not only disrupt our children’s education but also exposes them to illicit activities that can have devastating consequences,” he asserted.

The organisation has now petitioned the county government to among others, intervene to control noise pollution that hampers students’ ability to concentrate, increased traffic that poses safety risks, and the potential for drug-related activities emerging from the market stalls.

Owalla said the issues they had raised contravene the Basic Education Act, 2013, which mandates safe learning environments.

“Allowing this market to expand onto school property is a blatant disregard for our children’s rights,” he stated. The civil rights group body said: “We demand immediate action—demolition of the illegal stalls, construction of a secure fence, and a thorough investigation into those responsible for this encroachment.”