Schools in Kenya will reopen on Monday, May 13th, for the second term despite ongoing flooding. President Ruto announced the reopening alongside plans to rebuild schools damaged by the floods. The government will allocate funds to support these repairs.
National Day of Mourning and Reforestation Initiative
Friday, May 10th, will be a national day of mourning to honor those who lost their lives in the floods. President Ruto also called for a nationwide tree-planting initiative to combat climate change, a factor believed to contribute to the severity of the flooding.
Toll of the Floods and Ongoing Relief
The Ministry of Education reports 238 deaths and 75 missing people due to the floods. Displaced families are currently housed in schools and temporary shelters. The government is mobilizing resources for their resettlement.
Financial Relief for Displaced Families
President Ruto announced financial aid for affected families. Each of the 40,000 displaced households in Nairobi will receive Ksh 10,000 (around $87 USD) for the next three months to help with temporary housing.
Looking Ahead: More Details and Precautions
The Ministry of Education will provide further details regarding the school reopening. Kenyans are urged to follow advisories from the Kenya Meteorological Department as heavy rains are expected to continue throughout May