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State postpones schools' reopening to May 6 due to heavy rains

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu. (Photo: Education Ministry)

By Lucy Mumbi | 29 Apr 2024

Regular updates will be provided to keep the public informed on the progress and readiness of schools for the new term.

The Ministry of Education has postponed the reopening of all primary and secondary schools initially scheduled for Monday, April 29, 2024.

In a statement on Monday, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu said all schools will reopen on May 6, 2024, due to the ongoing heavy rainfall across the country.

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The decision followed an intensive assessment carried out last week, where field officers were instructed to gather data from all Basic Education Learning Institutions to evaluate the impact of the rains on school readiness for the upcoming Second Term.

"Based on this assessment, the Ministry of Education has resolved to postpone the reopening of all primary and secondary schools by one week, to Monday, May 6, 2024," Machogu said.

He noted that the collected reports, along with information from other governmental bodies, revealed that numerous schools have suffered significant damage due to the inclement weather.

Safety first

Given the severe conditions observed in some areas, the Ministry stated that proceeding with the scheduled reopening could jeopardise the safety of both learners and educational staff.

"The devastating effects of the rains in some of the schools is so severe that it will be imprudent to risk the lives of learners and staff before water-tight measures are put in place to ensure adequate safety of all affected school communities," he said.

The Ministry affirmed that they will collaborate closely with other relevant agencies and stakeholders to address and mitigate the challenges posed by the adverse weather conditions.

Additionally, regular updates will be provided to keep the public informed on the progress and readiness of schools for the new term.

"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 pertains to the education sector," Machogu said.

On Sunday, leaders across the country pleaded with the Ministry to extend the opening date amid the heavy rainfall that has severely affected several schools, homes and displaced thousands.

Addressing the media on Saturday, Thika Town MP Alice Ng'ang'a said it is not ideal to gamble with the lives of learners amid the heavy rains.

“We would rather delay the reopening date than risk losing our children. Again, why would schools reopen on Monday when Wednesday is a national holiday? The Ministry of Education should consider pushing the date to next week,” she said.