Kenya has decided to delay the reopening of its schools by a week due to persistent flooding caused by heavy rainfall, as the death toll from flood-related incidents in the East African nation approaches 100 since mid-March.
The Education Ministry announced on Sunday night that certain schools continue to face significant challenges due to the flooding, with reports from local media indicating that over 100 schools have been inundated, resulting in collapsed structures and damaged roofs.
Originally scheduled to resume classes on Monday, all schools will now commence their academic year on May 6.
The number of fatalities from the flooding in Kenya has reached 93, with fears of further casualties following a tragic boat accident in northern Garissa county on Sunday night. The Kenyan Red Cross reported rescuing 23 individuals from the capsized boat, yet more than a dozen others remain unaccounted for.
Since mid-March, the country has been grappling with incessant heavy rains, with the Meteorology Department cautioning of additional rainfall in the forecast.
The broader East African region is confronting similar challenges, with Tanzania reporting 155 casualties and over 200,000 people affected in neighboring Burundi due to flooding.
The majority of deaths in Kenya have been recorded in the capital city, Nairobi, as documented by police reports.
Over the weekend, Kenya’s primary airport experienced flooding, resulting in the diversion of several flights, as images of a submerged runway, terminals, and cargo areas circulated online.
The airport’s management attributed the flooding to ongoing renovation work, initially scheduled for completion in June. However, heavy rains overwhelmed the temporary drainage system installed by the contractor.
The floods have affected over 200,000 individuals nationwide, with homes in flood-prone regions submerged and displaced residents seeking shelter in schools.
In response to the crisis, President William Ruto has directed the National Youth Service to allocate land for the establishment of temporary camps to accommodate those displaced by the flooding.
