Kenya Delays School Reopening Amid Rising Flood Deaths

The Kenyan government has decided to delay the reopening of schools by one week due to the ongoing floods, which have already claimed the lives of over 80 people. Education Minister Ezekiel Machogu, in a statement released late on Sunday, highlighted that schools across the country have been significantly impacted by the floods.

Machogu emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that it would be unsafe to resume classes without ensuring stringent safety measures for both students and staff. Therefore, the reopening date for all schools, initially set for April 29th, has been pushed back to May 6th.

Additionally, some schools are currently providing shelter for individuals displaced by the floods, further underscoring the dire circumstances caused by the heavy rains.

As of the latest update on Saturday, the death toll from the floods has climbed to 83, with 13 more bodies recovered from various parts of Kenya. Unfortunately, the toll is expected to rise as the persistent rains continue to impact the country.

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The floods have displaced more than 130,000 people, according to authorities, with numerous others reported as missing. This situation is part of a broader pattern across East Africa, with Burundi witnessing nearly 100,000 displacements and Tanzania recording at least 150 fatalities due to the heavy rains in recent weeks.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that more rainfall is expected, including heavy downpours, across different regions of the country. This forecast underscores the ongoing challenges and risks posed by the continuing rains.

In response to the crisis, Kenya has heightened its emergency measures to address the flooding affecting various parts of the country. The government and humanitarian agencies are working tirelessly to provide assistance and support to affected communities during this challenging time.