Schools Re-open for Second Term Amidst Flooding in Some Areas

Schools have opened for the second term of the school calendar. Children are to report back amidst the ongoing floods that have affected some parts of the country due to the heavy rains.

The raging floods have swept away homes and farms and learners do not have access to their uniforms and stationery.

It is going to be a challenge to both students, parents and the management of affected schools who have to find out ways of solving the problem, which might force some children to extend their stay at home for safety purposes as they await a solution to be found.

Kisumu County is among the regions experiencing heavy floods and at least 99 primary schools will not be opening with others. Roads leading to these schools have also flooded thus making the whole issue a complicated one.

In Kisumu County, at least half of the 99 primary schools in Nyando constituency may not re-open as scheduled.

Other areas affected by heavy flooding include Kilifi County, Tana River, Kirinyaga County, Garissa County, some areas of Nandi County, Kerio Valley and Homabay County.

Education Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed last week directed regional education coordinators and county directors of education to conduct a quick assessment of the impact rains have had on schools before schools opened for second term.

Particularly, the officers should advise the ministry on areas where the rains may drastically affect the reopening of schools or the learning process in the higher education sector with a view to forestalling any crises,” said the CS.

Several schools will also have new principals after the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) transferred 515 head teachers.

The government is also expected to rollout medical cover for students and conclude their registration under the National Education Management Information System (Nemis).

Education Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed has acknowledged that the ongoing rains have affected infrastructure in many parts of the country, including hindering access to school environments.

Also, several schools will have new principals following the transfer of 515 head teachers by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).

The government is also expected to rollout medical cover for students and conclude their registration under the National Education Management Information System.

The ongoing rains are expected to continue up to Ed of May or the beginning of June, therefore, Kenyans should brace themselves for more.