Private Schools Defy CS Machogu’s Reopening Directive Amid Heavy Rains and Floods
Private schools have invited students to start classes despite a request to postpone reopening due to severe rainfall.
This move has created criticism and prompted concerns about the safety of students during challenging weather conditions, which have cost roughly 170 lives to date.
Rockfield Senior School in Pipeline, Nairobi, for example, requires KCSE examination applicants to return to school on Thursday, May 2, following the Labor Day holiday.
The letter stated that the candidates under pressure to complete the syllabus would be required to report on May 2nd, starting at 10 a.m. It further mentioned that the school would provide a bus for those who wished to use it.
The school has advised students in the lower classes, Forms One, Two, and Three, to return on Sunday, May 5, one day before the revised opening date.
Speaking with The Standard, a school administrator stated that students will return on Thursday and that they have put precautions in place to keep them secure at school.
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An official who sought to remain anonymous stated that they have to pick up and drop off points to ensure the learners get to school safely and return home safely as well.
Shepherds Junior School in Nairobi informed parents via text message that its reopening dates remained unchanged, with boarding and day school students returning on April 29 and 30, respectively.
Despite government guidance, the school defended its autonomy as a private institution, claiming the ability to maintain a consistent learning environment.
They claim they are able to resume operations as a private school to maintain a consistent learning environment for children without altering their schedule in accordance with the government’s plan.
The school also stated that it would take precautions in the current rain.
The message to parents on Monday morning stated that while the next 10 days’ forecast shows ongoing rain, they will take all necessary precautions and keep them informed daily.
The Meteorological Department warned on Tuesday that heavy rains would continue throughout the week, raising safety concerns.
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Kenya Private Schools Association chairman Charles Ochome cautioned Thursday that schools that violated the ministry decision “are on their own.”
Ochome said that the order by the CS was clear, indicating that schools should remain closed. However, he mentioned that if some schools have reopened, they should be aware that a problem would arise if there was an incident.
On Monday, Basic Education PS Belio Kipsang stated that students who had already returned to school should remain on school grounds.
Private Schools Defy CS Machogu’s Reopening Directive Amid Heavy Rains and Floods
