In Summary
- Some parts of Kenya schools may remain closed due to heavy rains.
- More than 1900 schools have affected by flooding which prompted the postponement from 6 to 13 May
- Unrestricted funding for flood mitigation measures as the government seeks to tackle the wide spread floods
Following heavy rains in several parts of Kenya, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu announced on Thursday that schools may remain closed in affected regions, including Tana River, Homa Bay, and Kisumu counties.
Machogu states that learners in these areas to considered for alternative learning methods due to the inability to reopen schools safely.
Assesment of School Readiness
At an assessment of Karen C Secondary School in Nairobi, Machogu confirms that 95 percent of schools nationwide are prepared to resume learning for the second term.
However, he emphasized that schools in flood-affected regions would not reopen until the situation improved. Additionally, Machogu disclosed plans to shorten the August holiday to facilitate the completion of the syllabus.
The postponement of school opening dates from May 6 to May 13 was prompted by the severe weather conditions across the country.
More than 1,900 schools are affected by flooding, with some completely submerged.
Government response and funding
To address the challenges posed by the flooding, Ndindi Nyoro, Chairperson of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, assured that Parliament would not restrict spending on mitigation measures.
Nyoro emphasized Parliament’s commitment to approving all necessary expenditures to rehabilitate schools and address the impacts of the floods.
Read Also:Government Postpones Schools Reopening To May 6th
“When issues of how much have you spent come to parliament ,I want to assure all government institutions we are going to approve all expenditures,”Nyora stated.
Earlier, the government had requested Ksh10.6 billion to tackle the widespread flooding, which has caused significant damage nationwide.
The Ministry of Education is expected to issue specific directives regarding the affected schools and areas in the coming days.
