Wamalwa wants govt to postpone reopening of schools over floods
Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa has called on the Kenya Kwanza administration to stop the reopening of schools due to floods.
Speaking during a Church Service at the ACK St Stephens Church, Jogoo Road, Nairobi, Wamalwa said the reopening of schools during the flood crisis is a threat to children's lives.
"We ask that tomorrow when schools reopen, it would be good in the current situation if the government would have considered postponing the opening of schools because the situation is very bad. Most of those who have lost their lives are adults," Wamalwa said.
"If schools reopen in the current situation the children will be in danger. If adults can be swept away by floods, then children will not be safe." 
Wamalwa says the postponement will also allow the government to disburse capitation to the schools, which have not received funds for the second term.
"Postponing the reopening of schools will allow (government) to work on capitation. Most (schools) have not received funds," he added.
This comes moments after Thika Town Member of Parliament (MP) Alice Ng'ang'a called on the Ministry of Education to reconsider the opening dates for students nationwide.
Addressing the media on Saturday, April 27, 2024, the lawmaker said it is not ideal to gamble with the lives of learners amid the heavy rains that continue to wreak havoc in the country.
"Jana tulikua tumeambia waziri wetu wa elimu ya kwamba ata pia mimi achana na watoto wale watafungua, ata pia mimi na wewe ukienda kwa barabara uone huezi pita ama maji ni nyingi, niliona pahali madereva wa matatu, mabasi na malorry walikua wame underestimate nguvu ya maji na walipovuka barabara pale Athi niliona nissan na lorry imeangushwa mara moja," Wahome said.
"Ningeomba serikali mvua ikiendelea kunyesha hivi, it is better tue na watoto wetu wakiwa hai kushinda tuambie watoto waende shule wabebwe na maji. Kuna sikukuu ya Labour Day, ningependa kusema hivi, mvua ikiendelea Monday na Tuesday, wacha watoto waongezewe wiki ingine moja ndio tujue janga la mvua limeisha na watoto wetu wako safe. Mi ningesema kwa sababu ata kati kati ya wiki kuna holiday ningesema wapewe to wiki moja."
Schools reopen
Schools are expected to reopen for the second term starting April 29, 2024, despite the ongoing rains which have flooded different parts of the country.
On Thursday, the Ministry of Education issued a directive to all regional directors of education, tasking them with assessing the impact of the ongoing heavy rains on public institutions across the nation ahead of the reopening of schools.
The Ministry highlighted the importance of understanding the effects of the heavy rains on basic education institutions ahead of the upcoming second term of the school calendar, slated to commence on April 29, 2024.
The Ministry noted the urgency of collecting data to gauge the readiness of basic education institutions for the second term amidst the heavy rains and flooding in various parts of the country.
This data is for effective planning and coordination, particularly in collaboration with the education officials in the emergency cluster working group.
"As you are aware, all Basic Education Institutions are expected to open for the second term of the school calendar on 29th April 2024. However, several parts of the country are reported to be experiencing heavy rains and flooding. As a result, there is a need to establish the effects of the long rains on Basic Education Institutions in the country," the circular read in part.
"The Ministry is in the process of collecting data/information to establish the readiness of all Basic Education Institutions for the second term of 2024. The data on the effects of the rains and flooding will be crucial for planning and for sharing with the Education in Emergencies cluster working group."
