Schools across Kenya are now “closed until further notice,” President William Ruto announced Friday.

Prior to Friday’s announcement, schools reopening for the second term had been extended through Wednesday, May 8.

President Ruto directed the Ministry of Education to delay the reopening of schools for the second term, citing ongoing severe weather conditions across the country.

The second term was to commence on April 29 and conclude on August 2, with a half-term break from June 20-23. The final term is scheduled to run from August 26 to October 25.

Subsequently, the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment (KILEA) examinations are scheduled for October 28-31, followed by the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams from November 4-22.

“No corner of our country has been spared from this havoc. The re-opening date of our schools after the April holidays, which was scheduled for Monday this week, had to be varied. Transportation has become challenging in many parts of the country due to flooded and damaged roads and bridges and the threat of raging rivers and overflowing dams in downstream regions,” said Ruto. 

“The Ministry of Education is directed to postpone the dates of reopening of all schools in the country for the second term until further notice,” President Ruto stated.

Retention of Learners Already In School

In response to President Ruto’s indefinite postponement of school reopening, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu directed schools to retain any students who may have already reported. 

“The school management shall retain them in school and ensure their safety and security except only where the conditions allow for the safe return to their homes,” Machogu stated. 

Machogu further instructed County Education Boards to hold immediate meetings. These meetings will assess the situation in each region and generate comprehensive reports by May 10th, 2024.

Furthermore, Cabinet Secretary Machogu set a firm deadline for the Boards of Management for all schools. They are required to submit detailed reports by May 8th, 2024, outlining the damage caused to school infrastructure by the bad weather and proposing mitigation measures.

“The reports are critical for, among others, engaging with the National Government Constituency Development Fund on the restoration of the damaged infrastructure,” Machogu said.

The Kenya Meteorological Department’s outlook for May to July 2024 indicates that the western regions will experience the most significant rainfall increase compared to historical averages while the coastal region will see near-average to slightly above-average rainfall.

In addition, rainfall in the eastern regions (including Nairobi) will be concentrated in May and early June.

“The outlook for May 2024 indicates that several parts of the country are likely to experience near-average to above-average rainfall. Occasional storms are also likely to be experienced,” said Dr David Gikungu, Director of Meteorological Services.

According to Kenya’s Interior Ministry, the death toll from the ongoing floods has risen to 210, with 22 fatalities reported in the past 24 hours alone. Additionally, over 165,000 individuals have been displaced from their homes, and 90 others are still missing.

Flood evacuations

The government has identified 178 dams and water reservoirs located on both public and private land in 33 counties. These are considered high-risk due to being at full capacity and posing a potential threat to nearby communities.

Additionally, areas in various counties that are prone to landslides and mudslides have also been flagged as high-risk. Residents in these areas will also be evacuated.

“We are called upon once again to join hands in this critical juncture and support each other until this season passes, and afterwards, in all endeavours to secure a sustainable future for generations to come,” President Ruto made a plea to the citizens.