President Ruto Suspends School Opening Idefinitely over heavy rains

President William Ruto has on Friday directed the Ministry of Education to suspend schools opening for second term indefinitely owing to the ongoing torrential rains and flooding in the country.

The president issued the directive while addressing the country from state house Nairobi on Friday afternoon.

Schools were expected to open on Monday May 6, following Monday’s announcement by the Education Cabinet Secretary.

The ongoing floods has left over 200 people dead in the country and hundreds displaced from their homes. Some public schools are reportedly acting as refuge centers for displaced families.

“The devastating rains have left a total of 210 people dead so far, transport has become a challenge as rivers and dams across the country overflow” President Ruto said.

 Cyclone Hidaya to hit Kenya’s coast

The decision to keep students home for longer comes in the wake of a warning from the Kenya Meteorological Department and the IGAD Climate Prediction Applications Centre warning that Kenya’s coast is facing the first-ever Cyclone Hidaya.

Speaking during his address to the nation on Friday at State House, Ruto said the Cyclone named Hidaya could hit anytime.

“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 said.

“The Cyclone is predicted to cause torrential rain, strong winds and powerful and dangerous waves, which could potentially disrupt marine activities in the Indian Ocean and settlements along the Kenyan coast.”

Cyclone Hidaya, which is also expected to hit Tanzania, is expected to bring about heavy rainfall, strong winds and large waves to hit Coastal Counties. The Weatherman had cautioned those living near the Indian Ocean to be vigilant.

Ruto further directed the Kenya Defence Forces and the police to deploy resources and personnel to respond to to emergencies occasioned by the rains for public safety.