2,155 Schools Will Not Open On Monday

2,155 Schools Will Not Open On Monday

Approximately 2,155 schools may not be able to reopen for the second term as planned on Monday, despite President William Ruto’s directive for classes to resume on May 13.

According to Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, around five percent of schools are facing challenges due to flood damage, particularly in seven counties such as Tana River, Homa Bay, and Kisumu. These areas are still grappling with flood-related issues, necessitating significant repairs before classes can resume.

Machogu mentioned that alternative measures are being considered for affected schools to ensure that students do not miss out on learning opportunities. He emphasized the need for additional interventions, especially in schools representing less than five percent, possibly even less than two percent, of the total affected schools.

Originally scheduled to reopen on April 29, the start of the second term was postponed indefinitely due to heavy rains disrupting normal activities and causing destruction to school infrastructure.

To compensate for lost time, Machogu announced plans to extend the second term, especially for Form 4 candidates, by a few days. This extension aims to maintain the required student-teacher contact hours.

Machogu mentioned that they are still compiling a comprehensive list of affected schools and will release it once finalized.

President Ruto’s announcement of the reopening date came after projections that the rainy season had subsided. He assured parents of the government’s preparedness and urged them to ready their children for school.

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo emphasized the activation of regional administration officials to oversee the safety of schools, particularly in affected areas, ensuring a smooth resumption of learning activities.

National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), alongside regional and county directors of education, are leading this effort.

Omollo also mentioned that boarding school students will gradually return to their institutions between the coming days and Monday.

2,155 Schools Will Not Open On Monday