Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezekiel Machogu and the government have been heavily criticized for announcing the postponement of school reopening dates in the wee hours of last night, throwing learners, parents and guardians into confusion.
The schools were supposed to be reopened today, with Basic Education PS Belio Kipsang last week maintaining that this will go on despite the heavy rains.
But in a last minute turn of events, Machogu postponed the reopening to Monday, May 6, 2024.
Among those who have criticized Machogu for the late decision is Meru County Woman Rep Elizabeth Karambu, who said it came too little too late.
Speaking during an interview with one of the local TV stations earlier today, Karambu underscored the need for State officials and public servants to make public announcements on time, adding that she met pupils and students going to school who were clearly unaware of the communication.
Maintaining that the decision was good, she wished the same had been stated earlier to avoid inconveniencing parents, students and teachers.
“Much as it is a good idea, it came quite late. Some boarding school kids are already in school and don’t know whether to go back home or stay in school…I think we need to do some improvements in the way we do things,” Karambu said.
Nominated Senator Hamida Ali Kibwana said even though it was the right decision, the statement is “counterproductive”.
“Good information but issuing such a statement past midnight is extremely counterproductive and a disgrace to our boarders who had already travelled to their schools overnight so as to report this morning,” she stated.
Tetu MP Geoffrey Wandeto also noted that the communication ought to have been made earlier, especially in the face of the current events, the government having to gather data on the unfolding flood situation in the country notwithstanding.
“Even though CS Machogu’s decision to postpone schools reopening came a bit late, it was the right decision. He needs to get decisive with the data he gets and take action early,” he said.
Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi also made his opinion known on the matter by questioning the motive behind issuance of notice at midnight.
“How do you issue notice of postponement of schools opening day on the morning of school opening day?” Havi asked through his X page.
Other Kenyans also expressed their frustration at the late announcement, with others sharing photos and videos of school kids fully dressed and going to school, oblivious of the late changes.
Dr Ahmed Kalebi wondered what will happen to boarding school students who had already travelled for the reopening of schools.
“Many boarders had already travelled to their schools overnight so as to report this morning. Are they to be returned home? Won’t that be an even bigger risk to the school children, besides the costs? Should the schools keep them for a week?” he wondered.
Another Kenyan said: “I saw school buses collecting learners from estates as early as 5 am. Teachers travelled over the weekend to their work stations. Others sadly died yesterday heading to Garissa. What country is this!”
The late communication has also affected the transport sector, with operators forced to refund fare to students who had booked seats to travel to school.
Machogu made the statement on school reopening early Monday, the day learners were expected to resume for second term, saying they had received data that some schools have been adversely affected by the ongoing floods.
He said sending students and staff to the affected schools would be putting their lives at risk, hence the decision to postpone the reopening.
“Based on this assessment, the Ministry of Education has resolved to postpone the reopening of all primary and secondary schools by one week, to Monday, May 6, 2024,” Machogu said.
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By Brian Ndigo
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