Learning has been paralysed in two schools in Mwatate constituency following invasion by buffaloes. Students and teachers at Mlughi and Zare primary schools in Bura have been forced to remain at home for fear of the buffaloes.

More than 300 buffaloes and several elephants are roaming the villages in Mwatate. This is the second week since the invasion of the area by the buffaloes that strayed from Taita hills sanctuary in search of water and pastures at the villages.

Taita Taveta branch Kenya National Union of Teachers executive secretary Rosalia Mkanjala said that parents in the area were forced to withdraw their children from the two schools after 11 people were injured by the buffaloes on Friday last week. Eleven buffaloes were killed in the area by irate villagers last week.

"I have been receiving calls from teachers from the area who expressed concerns that the buffaloes are posing a security risk to them and the pupils.Its more risky to the young children who might think the buffaloes are cows," she said.