Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezekiel Machogu has issued another circular to regional, sub county and county directors with fresh directives on the re-opening of schools for the second term.
The circular dated May 3 has come as a response to a State of the Nation address issued by President William Ruto on school reopening in light of the ongoing flood crisis in the country.
In the new memo, Machogu has instructed the directors and other stakeholders to ensure the implementation of the directive in their areas of jurisdiction.
Further, he indicated that in cases where learners had already reported to school, the school management should retain them in school and ensure their safety.
“During his National Address on Friday, May 3rd, 2024, His Excellency the President directed the Ministry of Education to postpone the opening dates of all schools in the country for the second term, until further notice.
“In the case of learners that had already reported to school, the school management shall retain them in school and ensure their safety and security, except only where the conditions allow for the safe return to their homes,” read the statement in part.
Also Read: Ruto Postpones School Reopening Indefinitely
Other Directives Issued by Machogu
The Education Ministry boss also directed all Boards of Management (BOM) of schools to meet and submit reports on the status of their respective schools by May 8th, 2024.
According to him, the reports should detail the damage caused to school infrastructure due to the adverse weather conditions and the mitigation measures.
“All Boards of Management of schools are directed to convene meetings and submit reports to their respective County Education Boards regarding the status of their respective schools.
“These reports should detail all relevant matters, such as any damage caused to school infrastructure due to the adverse weather conditions and outline mitigation measures. The reports are critical for, among others, engaging with the National Government Constituency Development Fund on the restoration of the damaged infrastructure,” he said.
County Education Boards, on their part, were directed to convene urgent meetings to assess the situation in their respective areas and submit comprehensive reports to the Cabinet Secretary by May 10th, 2024.
On the other hand, the Regional Directors of Education were ordered to continually provide updates on the status of learning institutions in their respective areas using the provided templates.
“All field education officers working in areas where schools are hosting displaced persons should liaise with the local National Government Administration Officers to immediately identify alternative accommodation for affected persons to ensure the facilities are available for normal learning activities,” added the statement.
Also Read: Machogu Issues New Guidelines on School Reopening
Ruto’s Order to the Ministry
Earlier in the day, Ruto announced the government’s decision to postpone opening dates for schools until further notice.
He explained that the move was part of government’s measures to ensure the safety of people amid the raging floods and heavy rainfall.
Also, he 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.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C
