Kenyan President William Ruto has made the decision to postpone the reopening of schools until further notice, citing the ongoing heavy rains and floods that have affected the country. The postponement comes as a response to the dire situation caused by the flooding, which has displaced over 150,000 people across Kenya.
The decision to delay the reopening of schools was announced during the president's state of the nation address, where he highlighted the alarming forecasts from meteorological reports. The possibility of Cyclone Hidaya hitting coastal Kenya in the near future has added to the urgency of the situation.
With many schools either flooded or damaged, the Ministry of Education had initially planned to reopen schools this week but later extended the closure by another week. Displaced individuals have been temporarily housed in schools while awaiting relocation to camps set up by the government.
Furthermore, the government has issued evacuation orders for residents living near 178 dams and reservoirs that are at full or near-full capacity. Concerns over rising water levels at major hydroelectric dams have prompted warnings to those living downstream along the Tana River.
The impact of the flooding has been severe, with tragic incidents such as a boat capsizing on the Tana River and a passenger bus being swept off a bridge. The government has faced criticism for its response to the floods, which have claimed the lives of over 155 people in neighboring Tanzania.
As the region grapples with the aftermath of the floods, neighboring countries like Burundi, Ethiopia, and Somalia have also reported hundreds of people affected by the natural disaster. The situation remains fluid, with authorities closely monitoring developments and preparing for potential further challenges.
