Kenya’s Education Ministry delays school reopening by a week due to heavy rains

The Ministry of Education in Kenya has postponed the reopening of all primary and secondary schools in the country by one week due to persistent heavy rains.

In a statement released on Monday, April 29, Education Cabinet Secretary Dr. Ezekiel Machogu said reports from field officers and other government agencies showed that many schools have been severely affected by the rains.

“Reports received at the Ministry of Education, corroborated with data from other relevant Government agencies, show that a number of schools in various regions of the country have been adversely affected by the rains," said Dr. Machogu in part of the statement.

Some schools have experienced such devastating effects of the rains that resuming classes could endanger pupils and staff, according to the cabinet secretary.

“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 stated.

As a result, the Ministry of Education postponed the reopening date for all primary and secondary schools, which was scheduled for Monday, April 29, by one week to May 6.

This will give the Ministry time to work with other agencies to address problems at affected schools before students return.

The Cabinet Secretary assured the nation that the Ministry will provide updates on measures being taken to mitigate the impact of the rains and aid recovery efforts at affected schools.

In a related development, CNN reports that at least 35 people have been killed and dozens of others are missing after a dam burst in southern Kenya, sweeping away homes and vehicles as the country grapples with weeks of heavy rains and devastating flash floods.