Education ministry directs unconditional admission as schools reopen amidst flood disruptions

The Ministry of Education has issued a directive urging schools to admit learners unconditionally next week following President William Ruto's announcement that all learners should report to school on Monday, May 13, 2024.

His decision was based on weather forecasts indicating reduced rainfall from this weekend.

As a result, Principal Secretary for Basic Education Belio Kipsang said schools especially those affected by floods should not use the lack of uniforms and school fees to hinder admission.

This is among the guidelines the ministry has issued for reopening schools for the second term.

Schools were to reopen for the second term on April 29 but the government put it off in the wake of heavy rainfall and devastating floods which have so far killed over 257 people.

In a letter on Thursday, the PS stressed the importance of ensuring all learners have access to education regardless of financial constraints as schools prepare to open for the second term.

Schools were also told to adhere to government regulations on school transportation.

"Boarders traveling to schools should be on the roads between 6 am to 6 pm. Day schools must ensure the safety of learners during collection and dropping by providing clear instructions to school drivers and assigning teachers to supervise," Kipsang noted.

The letter was addressed to Regional, county, and sub-county directors of education.

On the same, schools have been urged to implement systems to monitor student and staff absenteeism, with any significant increases reported to local authorities for intervention.

Education CS Dr Ezekiel Machogu monitoring the state school infrastructure and the effects of floods in Nairobi county ahead of schools reopening on Monday 13th, May 2024. Photo:X/machoguezekiel

Going further, schools have also been advised to conduct orientation sessions on safety measures, including emergency procedures, and to undertake necessary repairs and maintenance to address damages caused by adverse weather conditions.

This is in addition to overserving strict safety protocols, including measures to mitigate the risk of flooding, which are to be implemented.

On lesson recovery plans, the ministry observed that flexibility in reporting and departure times may be implemented based on learners' age and level.

"Recognising the minimal disruption to the academic calendar, schools are advised to maintain term dates and develop lesson recovery plans to compensate for lost time due to flooding delays," the PS added.

The Ministry has also emphasised on the importance of addressing the emotional and psychological needs of students and staff affected by the recent heavy rains and flooding.

For emergency preparedness, schools are required to establish robust emergency response procedures to address potential hazards and natural disasters.

"Staff and students should be trained on emergency evacuation protocols and first aid procedures," reads the statement by Kipsang.

Given the heightened risk of waterborne diseases during flooding, PS Kipsang also ordered schools to prioritise hygiene and sanitation practices.

This includes adequate provision of clean water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene supplies, which is crucial to promoting a healthy learning environment.

In collaboration with local authorities, community leaders, and relevant stakeholders, all schools have been urged to conduct stakeholder engagement, noting it is essential for effective disaster preparedness and response.

"Schools should engage with parents, guardians, and learners to keep them updated on any emerging issues," Kipsang stated.

In addition to that, May 17, 2024, has been identified as the tree planting day for all schools in Kenya, aiming at environmental conservation and community involvement.

Still on Thursday, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu announced that the government will extend the second term to make up for time lost after a two-week reopening postponement due to floods.

The CS said the second term will be extended by a yet-to-be-determined period to enable schools to cover the syllabus ahead of this year's national examinations in November.

"Particularly for Form Four candidates, we will see how we can recover time lost by extending [the second term by] a few days. They were expected to close for three weeks in August and we might minimise the number of days schools will be closed," Machogu noted.

The Education boss however noted that the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KSCE) and Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) examinations will not be postponed.

"The examination calendar remains the same; KCSE and KPSEA will be taken in the normal time from November," Machogu added.