Schools to Reopen Despite Continuous Heavy Rains and Flooding
Schools will reopen for the second term next Monday, despite the continuous heavy rains and flooding across the country.
Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang announced on Thursday that the government has formed a multi-agency team to deal with the effects of the severe rains. On April 29, schools will begin their second term.
Kipsang mentioned that this year they have been blessed with quite a bit of rain, and he noted that the President directed a multi-agency team yesterday to deal with the challenges that have come with the rains.
The PS spoke at the first annual Symposium on Competency-Based Assessment in Nairobi. Belio stated that President William Ruto’s decree is part of the state’s preparations for the seamless reporting of learners to schools next week.
The PS stated that, as previously directed by the President, they are all prepared and looking forward to children going to school next week. Kipsang further added that the ministry would be part of the multi-agency team to ensure the safety of children when they go back to school next week.
Join Teachers Updates on Facebook
On Tuesday, the Kenya Meteorological Department issued a heavy rain advisory. The weatherman urged Kenyans to remain on high alert as torrential rains continue to wreak havoc across the country.
The Met Department said in the advisory that the rains would persist for the following seven days. David Gikungu, the director of meteorological services, stated that low-lying areas, those in flood plains, and urban areas with poor drainage should expect flooding.
Landslides, he continued, can also occur on steep slopes if soils become waterlogged. Gikungu has urged road users to exercise extra caution, emphasizing that heavy downpours are likely to cause limited visibility.
This caution applies to both aviators and boat operators. Gikungu predicted that strong winds, thunder, and lightning would accompany heavy rains.
Counties Situation
Large waves and severe winds are likely to disrupt marine activity, he said. Morning rains are likely to fall in a few spots before extending to several others in the ten counties of the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi.
Other counties include Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, and Tharak Nithi.
Showers and thunderstorms are also anticipated throughout the afternoon and at night, with the latter occasionally spreading to many locations.
In Our Other News: CS Machogu Issues School Resumption Directive on Flood Risks
Morning showers are likely to fall in the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, and the Rift Valley, expanding to a few locations on occasion.
These counties include Kisii, Nyamira, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Siaya, Kisumu, Homabay, Busia, and Migori.
Others include Narok, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans-Nzoia, Uasin-Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, and West Pokot.
Schools to Reopen Despite Continuous Heavy Rains and Flooding