The Ministry of Education on Wednesday, May 29, revised the dates for the half-term break for the second term.
According to the ministry, the new dates are to compensate for the learning period that was lost when schools were forced to remain closed due to the flooding crisis.
Learners were to break for a second term half-term break from June 20 to 23, but now they have been to June 26 to 28.
“The change may require adjustments on planned activities and schedules. You are therefore directed to communicate the content of this circular to all Head Teachers and Principals of schools under your jurisdiction,” said Education PS Dr Belio Kipsang, in a circular to all County Directors of Education.
President William Ruto earlier this month directed the Ministry of Education to postpone school reopening for the second term until further notice due to the ongoing flood situation, marking the second delay.
The schools were set to reopen end of April but were postponed to May 6.
The President at the time said that heavy rains and subsequent flooding that claimed the lives of more than 300 people forced the government to postpone reopening.
The president’s directive contradicted a circular sent by the Ministry of Education just hours earlier which had issued guidance to parents, Education officials and institutions ahead of reopening that week.
Most schools later reopened from May 13 which was two weeks late, but still others are yet to reopen.
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, had indicated that parents and school management will be responsible for the safety of learners when schools reopen for the second term.
CS Machogu said the rains have had devastating effects on schools, including damaging infrastructure, submerging buildings and sanitation facilities, and destroying learning and teaching materials.
The chair of the National Parents Association, Silas Obuhatsa, had urged caution on the reopening of schools.
“Before then, parents should visit schools in the company of boards of management (BoM) and heads of the institutions to carry out assessment and confirm that they are safe for opening. If according to their assessment, the conditions cannot allow the reopening, learners should stay at home until it’s safe,” he said.
