Cabinet approves reopening of schools on Monday as rains rage

Kantafu Primary School pupils in Matungulu, Machakos, heading home along Misuuni-Kantafu Road on April 29, 2024. [Collins Kweyu, Standard]

The Cabinet has directed that schools be reopened on May 6, even as the government struggles to rehabilitate institutions which have been affected by raging floods.

During a meeting chaired by President William Ruto, the second such session this week, the Cabinet directed that the Ministry of Education work with the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF).

The Cabinet endorsed the Ministry of Education's decision to postpone the reopening of schools by one week and directed that they reopen next Monday.

The ministry was directed to work with the NG-CDF so that funding is made available for the repair and rehabilitation of destroyed infrastructure.

The Cabinet meeting had been convened to deliberate on extra measures to mitigate the effects of floods, mudslides and landslides in many parts of the country.

The Cabinet noted that more citizens who have been affected by floods, mudslides and landslides are increasingly receiving help with food and non-food items from the government working with other partners.

Noting that the extreme weather conditions are a result of climate change, the Cabinet resolved that the government will rally the country to implement measures, programmes and policies that will mitigate its effects.

On the Cabinet directive on Tuesday for people living in riparian reserves to move out, the meeting noted that the affected people had received the news positively.

The Cabinet was briefed on the weather forecast for the next three months, which shows that average to above-average rains will continue in all parts of the country.

Consequently, flooding is expected in low-lying areas as are landslides and mudslides.

The coastal region is likely to experience Cyclone Hidaya, which will result in heavy rainfall, large waves and strong winds that could affect marine activities in the Indian Ocean.

On the adverse effects of weather conditions on schools, the Cabinet was informed that infrastructure, including classrooms, dormitories, halls, toilets, latrines fences and perimeter walls had been destroyed.

Some schools have been flooded, while others are being occupied by people who have been displaced by mudslides, landslides and floods.

The Cabinet also approved the expansion of the Manda Bay Airfield runway in Lamu. The project will enhance Kenya Defence Forces' capability to defend the country's territorial integrity.

At the same time, President Ruto has urged institutions of higher learning to adopt innovation and technology to enhance access to affordable education.

The President said the government is prepared to support universities offering online and virtual learning courses.

"We must continue striving to meet the ever-growing demand for higher education, focusing on elevating those at the bottom of the social and economic pyramid through access to quality education," he said.

He noted that the implementation of a 100,000km fibre optic network project is proceeding well and will support online learning, e-commerce and digital jobs.

Ruto made the remarks during the charter award ceremony for Tangaza University and Management University of Africa at State House, Nairobi.