Leaders fault State for late notice on postponement of schools reopening

Several leaders have faulted the Education Ministry for failing to communicate on the postponement of schools reopening early enough.

The schools were supposed to be reopened on Monday 29, with the Education PS Belio Kipsang last week maintaning that this will go on despite the heavy rains being experienced across the country.

But in a last minute turn of events, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu postponed the scheduled schools reopening to Monday, May 6, 2024. 

The notice was released early Monday, on the day that learners were expected to resume for second term.

Speaking during an interview with Citizen TV on Monday, Meru Woman Representative Elizabeth Karambu highlighted the need for state officials and public servants to make public announcements on time.

Karambu said she met pupils and students going to school who were clearly unaware of the communication. 

Maintaining that the decision to postpone the second term schools reopening is a good decision, she wished the same had been stated earlier to avoid inconveniencing parents, students and teachers.

"Much as it is a good idea, it came quite late. Some boarding school kids are already in school and don't know whether to go back home or stay at school...I think we need to do some improvements in the way we do things," Karambu said.

Karambu was however quick to state that she was not heaping blames on "anybody because we are the government".

Tetu MP Geoffrey Wandeto also noted that the communication ought to have been made earlier, especially in the phase of the current events. 

He however said the same can be understood as the government had to gather data on the unfolding flood situation in the country. 

"Even though CS Machogu's decision to postpone schools reopening came a bit late, it was the right decision. He needs to get decisive with the data he gets and take action early," he said.

Nominated Senator Hamida Ali Kibwana said even though it was the right decision, the statement is "counterproductive".

"Good information but issuing such a statement past midnight is extremely counterproductive, and a disgrace to our boarders who had already traveled to their schools overnight so as to report this morning," she stated. 

Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi also made his opinion known on the matter. 

"How do you issue notice of postponement of schools opening day on the morning of school opening day?" Havi asked through his X page.

Machogu made the statement on school reopening early Monday saying they received data that some schools have been adversely affected by the ongoing floods.

He said sending students and staff to the affected schools would be putting their lives at risk, hence the decision to postpone the reopening.

"The devastating effects of the rains in some of the schools are so severe that it will be imprudent to risk the lives of learners and staff before water-tight measures are put in place to ensure adequate safety of all affected school communities.

"Based on this assessment, the Ministry of Education has resolved to postpone the reopening of all primary and secondary schools by one week, to Monday, May 6, 2024," Machogu said.