The Ministry of Education has issued a green light with regards to plans of reopening schools next week, despite concerns over heavy rainfall and widespread flooding across the country. The move comes as the government gears up to receive assessment reports on the readiness of schools for the upcoming term.

The Ministry directed all regional Directors of Education to gather data from basic education institutions to evaluate their readiness for the upcoming term.

Regional Directors were instructed to coordinate data submission by Friday, April 26, and to collaborate with school Boards of Management and stakeholders to ensure a smooth reopening.

Dr. Belio Kipsang, Principal Secretary for Basic Education, affirmed that schools would reopen next week despite heavy rainfall and flooding across the country.

During a symposium on Competency-Based Assessment (CBA), Kipsang assured that the government had mobilised a multi-agency team to address the impact of heavy rains.

However, concerns persist as the Kenya Meteorological Department warns of continued heavy rains in various parts of the country. Counties such as Nairobi, Kisumu, and Narok are among those expected to bear the brunt of the downpour, raising fears of further flooding and disruption to daily life.

The government is yet to issue directives regarding the fate of students who have lost their educational materials due to flooding, raising concerns among parents and educators alike. With floods sweeping away belongings in affected areas, including textbooks, exercise books, and other essential school supplies, there is uncertainty about how these students will be supported in resuming their studies.

Furthermore, the situation becomes more complex as some schools are currently serving as shelters for individuals displaced by the floods. The dual role of these institutions as both educational facilities and temporary residences for flood victims poses logistical challenges and raises questions about the continuity of education for both the displaced individuals and the regular student body.

Despite the Ministry's assurances, the National Parents Association (NPA) has called for additional measures to safeguard students' safety. NPA National chairperson, David Silas Obuhatsa, emphasized the importance of conducting thorough assessments of school infrastructure to mitigate risks posed by the floods.

In areas severely affected by flooding, such as Budalangi and Tana River, Obuhatsa urged school authorities to report any damage to the relevant authorities promptly. He stressed the need for proactive measures to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of learners.

Parents have also raised concerns over the safety of school routes, particularly in regions with inadequate infrastructure. The call for urgent action to address hazardous conditions, such as the Musianda bridge in Vihiga County, reflects growing apprehension among communities.

"Recently parents from Vihiga County came out in large numbers calling on the government to urgently move with speed and rescue the lives of many learners who cross the killer Musianda bridge in Wemilabi Ward," he stated.

"The bridge is crossed daily by over 5000 students who attend almost 19 schools in the area. These parents are still a worried lot among many whose children cross such dangerous rivers daily during school days. We are urging the government to work with parents in such disclosed areas to rescue the innocent lives of the many children that will be opening soon," Obuhatsa told Education News.