Schools To Reopen Next Week Despite Raging Floods- Govt
The announcement comes amidst concerns about the impact of the heavy rains and flooding on transport infrastructure and road networks
Marvin Chege 
The Ministry of Education has asserted that schools will reopen as planned next week despite concerns regarding the heavy rainfall and flooding that has crippled critical infrastructure across the country.
Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang said on Thursday, April 25 that preparations were underway despite the government preparing to receive assessment reports on the readiness of schools for the upcoming term.
As part of the preparations, the Director General of the Ministry of Education, Elyas Abdi, has issued a circular to regional directors of education instructing them to collect data on the impact of the rain and floods and submit it by today (Friday, April 26).
Kipsang was speaking during the Kenya National Examinations Council’s (KNEC) first annual symposium on Competency Based Assessment (CBA) in Nairobi.
Principal Secretary (PS) in the Education Ministry Bellio Kipsang when he appeared before the Education committee for vetting on November 30, 2022. /THE STAR
“We are ready and we are looking forward to our children going to school. As a ministry, we will be actively involved in the multitasking efforts alongside our colleagues to ensure the safety of our children as they resume their studies,” said Kipsang.
He added that a directive by President William Ruto to a multi-agency team to address the challenges posed by the rains is being implemented. This is part of the comprehensive preparations aimed at facilitating the return of learners to schools across the country.
The announcement comes amidst concerns about the impact of the heavy rains and flooding on transport infrastructure and road networks, raising questions regarding the feasibility of the resumption of school activities.
Those concerns persist as the Kenya Meteorological Department warns of continued heavy rains in various parts of the country. Counties such as Nairobi, Kisumu, and Narok are among those expected to bear the brunt of the downpour, raising fears of further flooding and disruption to daily life.
The government is yet to issue directives regarding the fate of students who have lost their educational materials due to flooding, raising concerns among parents and educators alike. With floods sweeping away belongings in affected areas, including textbooks, exercise books, and other essential school supplies, there is uncertainty about how these students will be supported in resuming their studies.
Furthermore, the situation becomes more complex as some schools are currently serving as shelters for individuals displaced by the floods. The dual role of these institutions as both educational facilities and temporary residences for flood victims poses logistical challenges and raises questions about the continuity of education for both the displaced individuals and the regular student body.
Parents have also raised concerns over the safety of school routes, particularly in regions with inadequate infrastructure. The call for urgent action to address hazardous conditions, such as the Musianda bridge in Vihiga County, reflects growing apprehension among communities.
"Recently parents from Vihiga County came out in large numbers calling on the government to urgently move with speed and rescue the lives of many learners who cross the killer Musianda bridge in Wemilabi Ward," he stated.
"The bridge is crossed daily by over 5,000 students who attend almost 19 schools in the area. These parents are still a worried lot among many whose children cross such dangerous rivers daily during school days. We are urging the government to work with parents in such disclosed areas to rescue the innocent lives of the many children that will be opening soon," Obuhatsa told Education News.
In areas severely affected by flooding, such as Budalangi and Tana River, Obuhatsa urged school authorities to report any damage to the relevant authorities promptly.
On Thursday, Kenya Met noted that the heavy rains will persist in the Lake Basin, Rift Valley highlands, and West and East Rift Valley, with other areas such as Nairobi, Southeast Lowlands, Coast, and Northern sector likely to experience heavy downpours going into the weekend.
The weatherman noted that the intensity of the rains would escalate surpassing 50mm in 24 hours, over the Rift Valley, Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley, Nairobi area, Southeast Lowlands, Lake Victoria Basin, and off-coast on April 26, 2024, to April 27, 2024 before reducing from April 28, 2024.
Kenya Met also warned Kenyans of the likelihood of gusty winds, large ocean waves, and strong southerly winds in the eastern sector.
