Ruto Postpones School Reopening Amid Worsening Floods
The devastating effects of the ongoing heavy rainfall in Kenya have prompted President William Ruto to postpone school reopening indefinitely.
In an address to the nation, the President reveals the staggering toll of 210 lives lost due to the relentless downpours. He has instructed the Ministry of Education to indefinitely postpone the reopening of schools for the second term, marking the second delay after the initial rescheduling from this week to March 6th. Ruto's directive stands in stark contrast to a circular issued just three hours prior by the Ministry of Education which had provided guidance for the reopening of schools on Monday.
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu had previously stated that parents and school management would be responsible for ensuring the safety of learners upon their return, acknowledging the damage inflicted by the rains on school infrastructure, buildings, sanitation facilities, and instructional materials. However, the President's decision ultimately prevails as it heeds the caution urged by the National Parents Association's chair Silas Obuhatsa. In his address, Ruto cautions citizens against underestimating the power of nature and urges them to avoid driving on waterlogged roads or attempting to cross flooded rivers.
His warning echoes the Kenya Meteorological Department's advisory for Nairobi residents to prepare for heavy rainfall and remain vigilant to weather updates. Ruto further reiterates the urgency of addressing climate change noting that the current flood response strategies are merely temporary measures. Emphasizing environmental conservation as a top priority, Ruto calls for aggressive reforestation and wetland conservation programs. He urges Kenyans to support the government's ambitious forest restoration plan which aims to plant an astounding 15 billion trees over the next decade.
Furthermore, he has announced that the government's comprehensive climate action agenda for the current year will be unveiled soon. Ruto stresses the importance of collaboration among ministries, departments, agencies, and other stakeholders in crafting a cohesive government initiative to tackle the crisis. He encourages Kenyans to embody the spirit of "Kenyans for Kenya" by lending a helping hand to those in need during this challenging period.