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The CS noted that the ministry had made the decision after receiving reports that most schools in the country had been adversely affected by the heavy downpour.
Machogu extended the opening dates just hours before schools officially reopened on April 29.
“In the face of the ongoing heavy rains, the Ministry of Education last
week directed its field officers to submit data from all Basic Education Learning Institutions countrywide to assist the Government in assessing the readiness of the schools for the Second Term opening on Monday, April 29, 2024,” the statement from Machogu read in part.
“Reports received at the Ministry of Education corroborated with data from other relevant Government agencies, show that a number of schools in various regions of the country have been adversely affected by the rains.”
Machogu further stated that due to the floods, it would be imprudent to risk the lives of learners and staff before water-tight measures are put in place to ensure adequate safety of all affected school communities.
“In the meantime, the Ministry will work with relevant agencies and stakeholders to put in place measures to mitigate the adverse effects of the rains and provide regular updates on all developments as pertain to the education sector,” Machogu noted further.
The postponement came at a time when most major highways have been cut off due to the flooding.
Additionally, close to 20,000 households have been displaced in Nairobi and other parts of the country making it impossible for school-going children to travel to their respective academic institutions.
The school calendar for students in tertiary academic institutions remained unchanged as most universities are heading for long holidays until September 2024.
The government has urged Kenyans not to attempt crossing raging waters to avoid drowning tragedies which have been on the rise.
Reports indicate that a school bus was swept away by floods in Samburu on Sunday, April 28.
