Schools to reopen next week despite heavy rains – PS Belio

Schools will reopen for second term next week despite the ongoing heavy rains and flooding across the country. 

Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang on Thursday said the government has put in place a multi-agency team to deal with effects of the heavy rains.

Schools are set to reopen for second term from April 29. 

" I know this year we have been blessed with quite some rain and I know yesterday the President directed a multi-agency team to be able to deal with the challenges that have come with the rains," Kipsang said. 

The PS spoke during the inaugural Annual Symposium on Competency-Based Assessment in Nairobi. 

Belio said the directive by President William Ruto is part of the preparations the State has in place to enable smooth reporting of learners to schools next week.

"I can assure all of us that as already directed by the President we are all prepared and looking forward to our children going to school next week," the PS said. 

Kipsang added: "As a ministry, we shall be part of the multi-agency team so that we adequately walk with our colleagues to ensure that children will be safe when we go back to school next week."

This comes after the Kenya Meteorological Department on Tuesday issued a heavy rains advisory.

The weatherman called on Kenyans to be on high alert as heavy rains continue to wreak havoc in various parts of the country.

The Met department in the alert said the rains will continue over the next seven days.

“Flooding is expected in low-lying areas, those in flood plains as well as in urban areas with poor drainage,” Director of Meteorological Services David Gikungu said.

Landslides, he added, may also occur on steep slopes where soils become saturated.

Gikungu has advised road users to be extra cautious noting low visibility is likely to be witnessed during heavy rainfall events.

This alert extends to aviators and boat operators.

The expected heavy rainfall, Gikungu noted, is likely to be accompanied by strong winds, thunder and lightning.

The large waves and strong winds are likely to affect marine activities, he stated.

In the forecast for the 10 counties in the Highlands East of the Rift Valley which includes Nairobi, morning rains are expected to occur over a few places occasionally spreading to several places.

Other counties are Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu and Tharak Nithi.

Afternoon and night showers and thunderstorms are also expected over a few places occasionally spreading to several places.

In the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin and the Rift Valley, morning rains are likely to occur over few places occasionally spreading to several places.

Counties in these areas include Kisii, Nyamira, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Siaya, Kisumu, Homabay, Busia and Migori.

Others are Narok, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans-Nzoia, Uasin-Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet and West Pokot.