Fear and anxiety have gripped parents, teachers and learners in Kisumu after the demolition of perimeter fences at three public primary schools left the institutions fully exposed to security and health risks.

The affected schools — Arya Primary School, M.M Shah Primary School and Lake Primary School — have been operating without fences since the beginning of the second term following a road reserve reclamation exercise carried out by Kisumu City management officers.

While the county government has received praise for reclaiming public land and road reserves, parents and school administrators now say the demolitions were done without proper planning, consultation or safety measures to protect learners.

The situation has now sparked growing concern across Kisumu, with many parents fearing the open compounds could expose children to insecurity, criminal activities and possible child abductions.

Schools Left Exposed After Fence Demolitions

According to teachers and parents, the removal of the fences has created a dangerous learning environment where strangers can easily access school compounds without restriction.

School administrators say the absence of perimeter walls has made it difficult to control movement within the schools and maintain discipline among learners.

“There is no longer that sense of safety that comes with an enclosed learning environment,” said one concerned parent.

At Arya Primary School, school management was forced to relocate the school bus due to fears of theft and vandalism.

Teachers now say they report to work under fear, especially during early morning and evening hours when the open compounds become harder to monitor.

To improve security, the schools have installed additional floodlights and hired more guards, but parents insist those measures are not enough.

Rising Cases of Missing Children Increase Panic

The concerns come at a time when Kenya continues to witness rising cases of missing children.

According to Missing Child Kenya, at least 158 child disappearance cases had already been reported by March this year, with many still unresolved.

Parents now fear that leaving schools fully open could increase risks of child abductions, trespassing and attacks on learners.

Some parents argue that demolishing school fences without immediately putting alternative safety measures in place was irresponsible.

“This is not just about walls coming down. It is about exposing children to danger,” another parent said.

Politicians Accused of Empty Promises

The matter has also attracted political attention, with some leaders now facing criticism over what parents describe as empty promises.

On April 30, Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron said he had committed funds towards restoring damaged fences and sanitation facilities at the affected schools.

“I will ensure both schools remain safe, secure and fully conducive for learning,” Oron said in a statement posted on social media.

However, weeks later, parents say no visible restoration work has started.

The delays have further frustrated parents and teachers who feel leaders are politicizing the matter instead of urgently addressing the safety concerns affecting learners.

Debris and Stagnant Water Worsen Situation

Beyond security concerns, access to the schools has also become difficult.

Large heaps of debris left behind after the demolitions continue blocking entry points into the institutions, affecting movement for learners, parents and motorists dropping children at school.

Motorcycles and vehicles transporting young children are reportedly struggling to access the schools due to impassable sections created by the rubble.

Parents and teachers are also worried about stagnant water collecting around the demolished areas, saying it could lead to mosquito breeding and possible disease outbreaks.

Parents Demand Immediate Action

Education stakeholders now want the Kisumu County Government to urgently intervene by clearing the debris, erecting temporary barriers and engaging affected schools on long-term safety solutions.

Teachers warn that without immediate action, the schools remain vulnerable to vandalism, theft, drug peddling and attacks by criminal gangs.

Parents insist perimeter fences are not luxury structures but essential infrastructure that protects children and creates a safe learning environment.

For now, however, learning continues inside open compounds clouded by fear and uncertainty as parents continue demanding answers from county authorities.

The Kisumu school fence demolitions have now raised broader questions about urban planning, child safety and accountability in public projects.

While road expansion and reclaiming public land remain important development goals, many residents believe schools and children should never be left exposed during such exercises.

As pressure mounts on county officials and political leaders, parents say only urgent action will restore confidence and guarantee learner safety in the affected schools.