Kenya has pushed back the reopening of schools for the second term session by one week due to the devastating floods that have claimed over 70 lives. Originally scheduled to commence on Monday, the resumption has been postponed until May 6.
Dr. Ezekiel Machogu, EGH Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Education, issued a statement on Monday, citing the ongoing heavy rains as the reason for the delay. Machogu highlighted the dire impact of the rains on numerous schools across the country, emphasizing the need to prioritize the safety of students and teachers.
In light of the assessment conducted by the Ministry of Education and other relevant government bodies, it was deemed unsafe to resume classes immediately. Consequently, all primary and secondary schools will now reopen on May 6 to allow for the implementation of necessary safety measures.
While acknowledging the severity of the situation, the ministry assured the public that efforts would be made to mitigate the adverse effects of the rains. Collaborative measures involving relevant agencies and stakeholders will be undertaken to address the challenges faced by the education sector.
The recent heavy rains in Kenya, attributed to the El Nino weather pattern, have caused widespread destruction and displacement. Flash floods have submerged roads and neighborhoods, forcing thousands of families to flee their homes. Nairobi, the capital city, has been significantly affected, with nearly one-third of public schools suffering severe damage.
Despite the initial plans to resume classes after the midterm holidays, the widespread devastation prompted the education ministry to postpone the reopening. The priority now lies in addressing the extensive damage inflicted on educational infrastructure across the country before students and teachers can safely return to school.
