In a move aimed at prioritizing the safety of learners and staff, the Ministry of Education has officially postponed the much-anticipated reopening of schools by one week, rescheduling it to Monday, May 6, 2024. This decision, announced by Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, comes in response to the adverse effects of the ongoing heavy rains sweeping across the nation.

In a statement released on Monday, April 29, 2024, Machogu underscored the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff in the wake of the inclement weather conditions. “The devastating effects of the rains in some of the schools are so severe that it will be imprudent to risk the lives of learners and staff before water-tight measures are put in place to ensure adequate safety for all affected school communities,” Machogu asserted.

The decision to postpone the reopening follows comprehensive assessments conducted by the Ministry, which revealed significant disruptions in various regions due to the ongoing rains. Machogu emphasized the severity of the situation, pointing out the potential risks posed to individuals in flood-affected areas.

“Based on this assessment, the Ministry of Education has resolved to postpone the reopening of all primary and secondary schools by one week, to Monday, May 6, 2024,” Machogu declared.

Furthermore, Machogu reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working closely with relevant stakeholders to address the challenges posed by the adverse weather conditions. Measures will be implemented to mitigate the effects of the rains, with regular updates promised to ensure transparency and accountability within the education sector.

“In the meantime, the Ministry will collaborate with relevant agencies and stakeholders to implement measures aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of the rains and provide regular updates on all developments concerning the education sector,” Machogu concluded.

The postponement of the school reopening underscores the Ministry’s proactive approach to safeguarding the welfare of students and staff in the face of challenging weather conditions, reflecting a commitment to prioritizing safety above all else.