Kenyan President William Ruto has announced the postponement of the reopening of schools due to ongoing heavy rains and floods in the country. The decision comes as meteorological reports paint a dire picture for coastal Kenya in the coming days, prompting concerns for the safety of students and teachers.
The initial reopening date of April 29 was already pushed to May 6, but the education ministry has now postponed it indefinitely. Many schools remain flooded or damaged, with some serving as temporary shelters for displaced individuals. The government has ordered the evacuation of people living near full dams and reservoirs to prevent further tragedies.
The flooding crisis has already claimed the lives of over 200 people in Kenya, with more than 150,000 displaced individuals seeking refuge in camps across the country. The situation is equally dire in neighboring Tanzania, where over 155 people have lost their lives to the floods.
Criticism has been directed at the government for its delayed response to the disaster, with Human Rights Watch emphasizing the need for authorities to fulfill their obligation to protect citizens during times of crisis. The formation of a response committee by President Ruto on April 24 came after the meteorology department issued an early warning before the start of the rainy season in mid-March.
As the region braces for the impact of Cyclone Hidaya, expected to bring more heavy rain to coastal areas starting May 5, the need for swift and effective government action to mitigate the effects of the floods has never been more urgent. The people of Kenya and East Africa are looking to their leaders for support and assistance during this challenging time.