The government has been urged to consider extending school holidays for one week as the current weather conditions are not favourable.
Thika MP Alice Wambui Ng’ang’a argued that reopening schools at a time when the heavy rains continue to cause deaths and destruction of property could result to further harm.
So far, at least 70 people have been confirmed dead following the heavy rains that have seen rivers burst their banks, estates and roads flooded besides destroying houses and paralyzing activities in most parts of the country.
The MP pleaded with the Ministry of Education to consider extending the reopening of schools especially in flood-prone areas across the country, saying learners’ lives will be at risk.
She said the government should monitor the situation and prepare well for a better and safe return-to-school formula.
“No parent can take their child or children to dangerously flooded schools. It is wise if the government can extend the holidays for just a week to monitor the situation to cushion our learners from being caught up in the aftermath of the heavy rains,” said the MP.
According to the Ministry of Education, learners will resume their term two studies from April 29 to August 2, a period of 14 weeks. They will then close for the August holiday from August 5 to August 23, which is three weeks.
She spoke while disbursing bursary cheques worth Ksh45 million to some 10,000 needy students through the area National Government Constituency Development Fund (NGCDF).
She at the same time revealed that the Thika NGCDF has laid down an elaborate plan that will see parents in all day secondary schools within the constituency pay Ksh2,000 only as school fees while the NGCDF clears the rest.
“Starting next year, parents whose kids are in day secondary schools will pay only Ksh2,000. NGCDF will pay the rest and ensure that all students are fed well,” she said.
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