Kenyan President Postpones School Reopening Amid Devastating Floods

Kenyan President William Ruto has announced the postponement of the planned reopening of schools until further notice, as the country grapples with heavy rains and widespread flooding that have claimed the lives of over 200 people.

In a state of the nation address delivered on Friday, President Ruto cited dire meteorological reports and the looming threat of Cyclone Hidaya hitting coastal regions in the coming days as reasons for the decision. 

The president’s announcement comes as Kenya and other parts of East Africa struggle to cope with the devastating impact of flooding, which has displaced more than 150,000 people across the country.

Originally scheduled to reopen this week, schools will now remain closed as the education ministry evaluates the situation. Many schools are either flooded or damaged, while some are serving as temporary shelters for displaced individuals awaiting relocation to camps.

The government has issued evacuation orders for residents living near 178 dams and reservoirs, warning of the imminent risk posed by rising water levels. Concerns have been raised about the safety of communities downstream along the Tana River, where historic high water levels have been recorded.

Recent incidents, including a fatal boat capsizing and a passenger bus swept off a bridge, have underscored the dangers posed by the flooding. Critics have accused the government of an inadequate response to the crisis, as communities continue to grapple with the aftermath of the disaster.

Neighboring Tanzania has also been severely affected by the floods, with over 155 fatalities reported. As Cyclone Hidaya threatens coastal areas, concerns are mounting across the region, with hundreds of people affected in countries such as Burundi, Ethiopia, and Somalia.

Additional source: AfricaNews