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Release students early, parents told as schools reopen amid heavy rain

Transport minister Kipchumba Murkomen during a meeting with Kilifi County MPs on April 24, 2024. (Photo: X/Kipchumba Murkomen)

By Lucy Mumbi | 28 Apr 2024

All schools will reopen as scheduled despite the ongoing heavy rains and floods that have affected critical infrastructure.

With the reopening of schools on Monday, Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has called on parents and road users to exercise safety as heavy rain wreaks havoc.

In a statement on Sunday, Murkomen urged parents to release their children early and choose safe routes by coordinating with school administrators for the setup of safe pick-up and drop-off points.

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“This new term coincides with heavy rains, creating hazardous road conditions due to flooding and damaged infrastructure. As schools reopen this week, I urge all road users to exercise caution to ensure the safety of our children and other road users,” he said.

The minister also advised motorists not to underestimate the dangers of rain and flooding, as even shallow pools hide deep potholes and currents.

To minimise risks, he asked them to keep a safe distance between vehicles, reduce speed, and exercise patience in heavily affected areas.

“Even as the government, through the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the police, intensifies the enforcement of traffic rules, I encourage road users to take personal responsibility by avoiding risky behaviours such as speeding or overloading and helping to report reckless driving."

Murkomen further sternly warned those disregarding traffic regulations or attempting to navigate through dangerous waters, saying they would be held accountable.

“During this rainy season, let’s work together to ensure our roads are safer by following traffic rules, reporting unsafe behaviours and promoting safety awareness,” he said.

Government says ready

Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang directed all schools to reopen as scheduled for term two despite the ongoing heavy rains and floods that have damaged critical infrastructure across the country.

Kipsang assured that preparations were underway for the reopening, with a government-appointed multiagency team taking flood mitigation measures.

“We are ready and are looking forward to our children going back to school. As a ministry, we will be actively involved in efforts, alongside our colleagues, to ensure the safety of our children as they resume their studies,” he said.

As part of the preparations, Ministry of Education Director-General Elyas Abdi issued a circular to regional directors of education on Friday, instructing them to collect data on the impact of the rain and floods for submission to the ministry for appropriate action.

However, leaders nationwide have urged the Ministry of Education to reconsider pushing the reopening date by a week or so.

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.

Labour Day will be marked on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.