President William Ruto has directed the ministry of education to postpone opening dates for schools until further notice.
While giving a state of the nation address in State house on Friday, May 3, Ruto stated that the move was part of government’s measures to ensure the safety of people amidst the raging floods and heavy rainfall.
He also indicated that the ministry of education had already been informed of the new developments and the Cabinet Secretary will be issuing a fresh directive.
“Our country must act decisively and swiftly to mitigate the devastating impact of the present crisis and protect lives and property. The government has taken the following steps.
“The ministry of education is directed to postpone opening dates for schools for the second term until further notice. The ministry of education has been notified of the changes and will be issuing a fresh directive,” he said.
Also Read: Machogu Issues New Guidelines on School Reopening
Ruto Lists Other Measures taken by the Government
At the same time, the head of state indicated that areas prone to landslides and mudslides in various counties have been identified as high-risk areas and the adjacent settlements have been evacuated.
Also, the government has marked 178 dams and water reservoirs situated within public and private lands in 33 counties which are already full and present imminent danger to adjacent settlement and people.
Additionally, relocation notices have been issued to all persons living in unplanned settlements within riparian reserves along rivers, streams and other water bodies.
Ruto also directed the national treasury has been directed to provide quick resources and work with other development partners.
“Acknowledging the gravity of this situation, the cabinet has met three times over the last ten days to provide leadership on government’s response to this crisis and support disaster response.
“Sadly, we have not seen the last of this perilous period, as the situation is expected to escalate. Meteorological reports paint a dire picture: The rains will persist, increasing both in duration and intensity for the rest of this month and possibly after,” he added.
Also Read: Machogu Postpones Reopening of Schools, Announces New Date
Directive to Kindiki Over Resettlement
Ruto directed the ministry of interior to enforce the relocation of settlements in riparian reserves in Nairobi by 6:30 pm on Friday, May 3, explaining that they complicated the response efforts
“In Nairobi, settlements in riparian reserves have complicated the response efforts and compounded and aggravated the risks to human life and safety. The Ministry of Interior is hereby directed to enforce the relocation notices issued earlier upon their expiry at 6:30 pm today.
“We appreciate and thank members of the public who are already cooperating with the Government on the evacuation and relocation efforts underway,” he added.
Also, the head of state noted that the media had contributed airtime worth KSh100 million to support the response to the flood’s crisis.
“The current unprecedented crisis of floods that our country faces, as well as the recent devastating drought our country faced (the worst in 40 years, after five consecutive failed rainy seasons),
“It is a direct consequence of our failure to protect our environment, resulting in the painful effects of climate change we are witnessing today. Our country is poised to remain in this cyclical crisis for a long time unless and until we confront the existential threat of climate change.”
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