William Ruto Suspends School Reopening Until Further Notice Due To Ongoing Floods

• President William Ruto said he had indefinitely suspended the reopening of schools across the country in response to ongoing floods
• Ruto called on MPs to allocate more National Government Constituencies Development Funds (NG-CDF) to help schools in the reconstruction process
• The president commended the goodwill of Kenyans and institutional volunteers who have continued to assist during the flood crisis
• He appealed to Kenyans to respect safety alerts and government interventions, advising against crossing flooded paths or driving on waterlogged roads to avoid endangering lives

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi - President William Ruto has indefinitely suspended the reopening of schools across the country.

During a press briefing on Friday, April 3, the head of state said the measure was in response to the ongoing floods across the country.

The president further called on MPs to allocate more National Government Constituencies Development Funds (NG-CDF) to help schools in the reconstruction process.

"The Ministry of Education is directed to postpone the dates of reopening of all schools in the country for the second term until further notice.

Members of Parliament are advised to reorganise the CDF allocation to prioritise the reconstruction of school infrastructure that has been damaged as a result of the floods ravaging the country," he stated.

What is Ruto's appeal to the public

The head of state further commended the goodwill demonstrated by thousands of Kenyans and institutional volunteers who have helped during the flood crisis.

However, the president asked the public to desist from tempting nature, warning against attempts to cross flooded paths.

He also urged Kenyans to adhere to regular safety alerts and interventions by the government to safeguard lives.

"The public is called upon to respect and adhere to safety alerts and interventions and to cease and desist from risking their lives or the lives of others by daring the force of nature. Kenyans must avoid endangering their lives by recklessly attempting to cross flooded rivers or drive on waterlogged roads," Ruto added.

How should the Kenyan government address the flood issue?

Machogu issues new circular on school reopening

Ruto's announcement comes hours after Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu issued new guidelines for school reopening that was set for Monday, May 6.

Machogu highlighted the destruction caused by the extreme weather conditions, including damage to schools, and hosting Internally Displaced Persons in some schools.

He had tasked educational officers with working with National Government Administration Officers to find alternative accommodations for affected individuals.

Machogu directed school officials to assess the safety of school infrastructure and submit reports detailing damages and mitigation measures.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.