Kenyan Schools' Reopening Delayed Due to Deadly Floods

Nairobi, Kenya – The Kenyan government has announced a delay in the reopening of schools by one week in response to ongoing severe flooding that has resulted in the deaths of more than 80 people.

Originally scheduled to resume for the second term on April 29, all schools will now reopen on May 6.

Education Minister Ezekiel Machogu confirmed late Sunday that the decision was made due to the substantial impact of the floods on educational facilities across the nation.

The delay is to ensure the safety of learners and staff, as some schools are currently being used as shelters for those displaced by the floods.

"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," Minister Machogu stated.

As of the last update, the death toll from the floods had risen to 83, with the recovery of 13 more bodies across different regions of the country.

Authorities warn that this number is likely to increase as heavy rains continue. Additionally, over 130,000 people have been displaced due to the flooding, with dozens more reported missing.

The crisis is not isolated to Kenya; neighboring countries in East Africa, including Burundi and Tanzania, are also experiencing catastrophic floods.

In Burundi, nearly 100,000 people have been displaced, and in Tanzania, at least 150 people have perished due to the adverse weather conditions.

The Kenyan government, along with disaster response teams, are working to manage the crisis and support affected communities, particularly in ensuring the safety and future readiness of schools to handle such natural disasters.