Retain students who had already shown up to school – PS Belio

The Ministry of Education issued an update on the postponement of the reopening date for the second term and asked schools where students had already reported to retain them within the institutions.

Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang said in a circular to county education directors that schools have full responsibility for the safety of students who had already been informed before news of the postponement was sent.

“These students should be kept within the school premises and not exposed to the dangers of returning home under the current adverse weather conditions,” Kipsang said.

Schools were scheduled to reopen on Monday, April 29 for the second term, but the ministry postponed the reopening date to May 6.

The communication about the postponement was broadcast around midnight, when some students had already left home.

Some students were stranded Monday morning in towns miles from home as they pondered their next move.

“Any student who has not traveled to school should stay home,” Kipsang said.

He said the postponement was necessary after an audit indicated that many schools had been significantly affected by ongoing heavy rain.

“The destructive consequences of these rains on some of the affected schools are of considerable magnitude. In addition, transportation systems have also been significantly affected and may not be safe for students,” PS Kipsang said.

He said that pending the reopening of schools on May 6, the ministry will collaborate with relevant agencies and stakeholders to implement measures to mitigate the adverse effects of the rains.

Meanwhile, the PS has directed County Directors of Education to ensure that all subsequent updates are conveyed to parents and guardians to ensure that they remain informed about the measures being taken to protect their children.

He also asked education chiefs that, with the reopening of schools postponed, food that had already been purchased be stored safely to minimize losses during the rainy season.

Kipsang said it is also paramount that schools implement sufficient security measures to protect school property during the postponement period.

“This is to prevent any potential loss or damage that may occur due to heavy rain or other related incidents.”

The PS further asked schools to provide daily updates on their readiness status for reopening and actions taken to mitigate flooding.

“These updates are crucial for the ministry to monitor the situation and provide assistance where necessary,” he said.