Form Four students of the Sacred Heart Mukumu Girls High School in Kakamega reported back yesterday amid strict health regulations.

More than 200 candidates had returned to the school by yesterday afternoon with the government and the administration expressing confidence that all the over 400 learners would be back by evening.

The learners, accompanied by their parents and guardians, started streaming in by 8am during which they were examined by medical personnel and taken for guidance and counselling.

Mukumu Girls was shut down last month following an outbreak of an illness that claimed the lives of three students and a teacher. Hundreds of others were hospitalized.

Health experts

A team of government officials led by the Western Regional Education Director Jared Obiero received the students.

The officials, including health experts, assured the girls and their parents on safety of food and water at the school.

Obiero said one of the health measures put in place was to ensure the school relies on only one source of water supplied by Lake Victoria South Water Services Board.

“Health experts are still testing the water from boreholes and will give their final verdict and recommendations before we can allow the school community to use it,” he said.

He said cooks had undergone fresh medical examinations and trained on how to maintain high levels of hygienic standards while preparing and serving food to the over 2,000 students.

 “I urge the parents to let their daughters return to school and assure them that we have put in place all the safety mechanisms,” said Obiero.

 The school Principal Jane Mmbone said they expected Form Three students today, Form Twos tomorrow and Form Ones on Friday.