Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu announced the government’s decision to delay the scheduled reopening of schools for term 2 until Monday, May 6, 2024.
Originally planned for today, April 29, the reopening date has been pushed back by a week due to the risks associated with ongoing floods.
Machogu stated, “The devastating effects of the rains in some of the schools are 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.”
“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,”
The Education Ministry, in collaboration with relevant agencies and stakeholders, will work on implementing measures to mitigate the adverse effects of the rains, Machogu assured.
Notably, the weatherman has predicted heavier rainfall in the coming days. As a result of the floods, over 90 have died with others reported missing.
Meanwhile, the National Parents Association had on Sunday proposed a change in opening dates for schools in affected areas, Secretary General Eskimos Kobia stated.
Kobia highlighted the challenges faced by schools due to floods, urging the government to assess affected schools and consider changing opening dates for the safety of students and teachers.
He emphasized the need for safety during students’ commute to schools, especially in areas where roads have been cut off by floods.
Kobia also noted that many affected families have lost school uniforms and learning materials, further complicating the situation.
Both the government and the National Parents Association are closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of students and staff as schools prepare to reopen for the second term.
By Vivian K.