The Ministry of Education has issued a directive to all regional directors of education, tasking them with assessing the impact of the ongoing heavy rains on public institutions across the nation ahead of the reopening of schools.
In a letter addressed to the officials on Thursday, April 25, the Ministry highlighted the importance of understanding the effects of the heavy rains on basic education institutions ahead of the upcoming second term of the school calendar, slated to commence on April 29, 2024.
The Ministry noted the urgency of collecting data to gauge the readiness of basic education institutions for the second term amidst the heavy rains and flooding in various parts of the country.
This data is for effective planning and coordination, particularly in collaboration with the education officials in the emergency cluster working group.
“As you are aware, all Basic Education Institutions are expected to open for the second term of the school calendar on 29th April 2024. However, several parts of the country are reported to be experiencing heavy rains and flooding. As a result, there is a need to establish the effects of the long rains on Basic Education Institutions in the country,” the circular read in part.
“The Ministry is in the process of collecting data/information to establish the readiness of all Basic Education Institutions for the second term of 2024. The data on the effects of the rains and flooding will be crucial for planning and for sharing with the Education in Emergencies cluster working group.”
The directors were instructed to work closely with boards of management and other stakeholders to ensure the timely opening of schools.
“The purpose of this circular is to request you to coordinate the submission of the data/information from your region using the attached template and work closely with the boards of management and other stakeholders and ensure that all basic institutions in your regions open for second term 2024,” the letter added.
“The data/information should be emailed to [email protected] by Friday 26th April 2024,” the circular added
This directive comes in response to concerns over the disruption caused by heavy rains in most parts of the country.
Rain impact in Kenya
The heavy rains in most parts of the country have left a grim aftermath, claiming lives and leaving behind a trail of destruction.
Major rivers like Athi River have burst their banks leaving residents stranded.
People have been displaced by the floods caused by the heavy torrential rains.
Some roads remain closed as they become impassable due to being filled up with water leading to commuters’ nightmare.
