The Ministry of Education's announcement of the postponement of school reopening has sparked outrage among Kenyans, with many expressing their frustration over the timing of the decision.
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu released a statement regarding the postponement which was shared on the Ministry's official X account at 1:20 am on Monday, April 29, 2024.
Kenyans took to various social media platforms to criticize the Ministry for the late-night announcement, questioning the practicality of informing the public at such a late hour.
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Numerous individuals voiced concern that students and parents were already en route to school, unaware of the sudden change in plans.
Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi was among those who expressed bewilderment at the timing of the Ministry's announcement.
"How do you issue notice of postponement of school opening day on the morning of school opening day?" Havi queried on social media, reflecting the sentiments of many frustrated Kenyans.
How do you issue notice of postponement of school opening day on the morning of school opening day?— Nelson Havi (@NelsonHavi) April 29, 2024
These students had just arrived Nairobi, enroute to their schools in Meru and found out the opening of schools has been rescheduled pic.twitter.com/TDdP2lZBLM— Robert Nagila (@Rnagila) April 29, 2024
Parents are not aware that Machogu postponed the reopening of schools
I have seen students going to school. Students had already travelled to report to schools
Ruto made a mistake to appoint that Kisii. Why does he communicate at 1.20 am like a mchawi when parents are asleep? pic.twitter.com/9e78HSbUAV— Alinur Mohamed (@AlinurMohamed_) April 29, 2024
Unfortunately Machogu’s statement which was released at 1AM came late for some students in upcountry schools who had already departed for overnight travels. That announcement ought to have come as early as 7PM yesterday but Mzee bado alikua amekunywa soya tea? Anyway good move. pic.twitter.com/B11WdjJf2t— Kenya West (@KinyanBoy) April 29, 2024
The bus I am in is full of students heading to school. And the government decides that last minute ndio best! pic.twitter.com/tt8w2HbkrR— Kipkorir Arap Ananda (@anj_116_) April 28, 2024
Do you know how long it takes a typical household to prepare kids for school??
The only thing that should be "For Immediate Release" is the resignation letters of guys in this ministry.
Bladfakin! https://t.co/FskOkO6xWo— Jemedari (@MrJemedari) April 29, 2024
A matatu operator plying the Meru route refunds students their fare and directs them where to get a bus to return to their homes. This follows a midnight announcement by CS Education Ezekiel Machogu, postponing school reopening. pic.twitter.com/2Uxzz02wMY— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) April 29, 2024
The communique from the Ministry of Education was sent out at 1.20am, five hours after the last Western-bound bus carrying students reporting to school in the morning had left Nairobi. Next time, vote wisely.— Gabriel Oguda (@gabrieloguda) April 28, 2024
Comms za gava bana ni very erratic, why would you wait until Monday to extend school opening dates?— khalif kairo (@KhalifKairo) April 29, 2024
So the government decided to release this statement on the same day that schools were to open?
What of parents who will not have seen it on time?
At this rate, moving forward there should be a paradigm shift in communication whereby the public/parents/stakeholders/will be… pic.twitter.com/0Xm3QfkJIo— Pauline Njoroge (@paulinenjoroge) April 29, 2024
Ruto and his government are the rudderless, clueless sperms that will never find the egg.
Postponing school opening in the middle of the night, a few hours before morning assembly...
At that time, many students learning in far flung areas had already travelled for opening while…— Kipkalya Kones (@CollinceBey) April 29, 2024
I've seen a school bus pick kids around my place. It appears they have not seen the communication by the ministry.
Communicating at 1am is a whole load of nonsense— Kalasinga (@Kalasinga_) April 29, 2024
Floods
In a notice released on Monday, April 29, 2024, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu elucidated the rationale behind the postponement of school reopening, citing the prevailing heavy rains across the nation as the primary factor.
Machogu emphasized the Ministry's proactive approach to assessing the readiness of Basic Education Learning Institutions for the upcoming term.
"The devastating effects of the rains in some of the schools are so severe that it will be imprudent to risk the lives of learners and staff before water-tight measures are put in place to ensure adequate safety for all affected school communities," Machogu asserted.
Machogu underlined the severity of the situation, highlighting the potential risks posed to students and staff in flood-affected areas.
"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 announced.
Additionally, Machogu affirmed the Ministry's commitment to collaborating with relevant stakeholders to address the challenges posed by the inclement weather.
