Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu announced on Monday, April 29, that the reopening of schools would be postponed until May 6 due to the persistent floods.
Machogu explained that the decision was made following reports indicating severe damage to many schools across the country caused by heavy rainfall.
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The extension of the reopening dates was announced just hours before schools were set to resume on April 29.
“In the face of the ongoing heavy rains, the Ministry of Education last week directed its field officers to submit data from all Basic Education Learning Institutions countrywide to assist the Government in assessing the readiness of the schools for the Second Term opening on Monday, April 29, 2024,” Machogu stated.
“The reports received by the Ministry of Education, along with data from other relevant Government agencies, confirm that numerous schools in different regions of the country have been significantly impacted by the rains.”
Machogu emphasized that it would be unsafe to endanger the lives of students and staff without implementing robust safety measures in the affected school communities.
Mrs Winfred Kathure, a teacher at M.C.K. Kaaga Primary School in Meru County, central Kenya in class ; Image/x
“In the meantime, the Ministry will work with relevant agencies and stakeholders to put in place measures to mitigate the adverse effects of the rains and provide regular updates on all developments as pertain to the education sector,” He added.
The decision to postpone the reopening coincided with major highways being cut off due to flooding. Additionally, nearly 20,000 households have been displaced in Nairobi and other areas, making it impossible for children to reach their schools.
The academic calendar for tertiary institutions remains unchanged, as most universities are on extended holidays until September 2024.
The government has urged citizens to avoid crossing flooded areas to prevent drowning incidents, which have been increasing. Reports indicate that a school bus was swept away by floods in Samburu on Sunday, April 28.
