Grace Omachoko
Kenya has postponed the reopening of schools for the second term session by one week due to severe flooding that has claimed the lives of over 70 citizens.
In a statement issued by the EGH Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Ezekiel Machogu, it was announced that the resumption, originally scheduled for today (Monday), has been delayed until May 6.
Dr. Machogu explained that the decision was made after the Ministry of Education directed its field officers to assess the readiness of all Basic Education Learning Institutions countrywide. Reports received indicated that numerous schools in various regions had been severely affected by the heavy rains, posing risks to the safety of learners and staff.
Based on this assessment, the Ministry resolved to postpone the reopening of all primary and secondary schools to ensure adequate safety measures are in place.
Dr. Machogu assured that the Ministry would work with relevant agencies and stakeholders to mitigate the adverse effects of the rains and provide regular updates on developments in the education sector.
The heavy rainfall, which began in March, has resulted in the deaths of 76 individuals and forced over 130,000 people from 24,000 households to seek displacement. Flash floods have submerged roads and neighborhoods, with nearly one-third of all public schools in Nairobi significantly impacted by the flooding.
Despite the postponement, the Ministry remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff as they work to address the extensive damage caused by the heavy rains across the country.