Kenya’s schools will remain closed until further notice as the country grapples with the aftermath of devastating floods that have claimed over 200 lives and prepares for the potential impact of Cyclone Hidaya, President William Ruto announced in a national address on Friday.
The government has taken measures to mitigate the crisis, including identifying high-risk areas prone to landslides and issuing relocation notices to those living in unplanned settlements within riparian lands.
In his address, President Ruto painted a grim picture of the ongoing crisis, stating that “persistent and torrential rains have unleashed devastating floods, which have claimed 210 lives as of today. It has also caused injuries to many more and wreaked havoc on property, infrastructure and livelihood. No corner of Kenya has been spared from this havoc.”
The threat of ravaging rivers and overflowing dams in downstream regions remains immense, with the situation expected to escalate further.
Meteorological reports indicate that the rains will persist, increasing in intensity for the rest of the month and beyond. Ominously, the Meteorological Department has issued a stark warning that Kenya may face its first-ever cyclone, dubbed “Hidaya.”
“This cyclone, Hidaya, could hit anytime and is predicted to cause torrential rains, strong winds and powerful and dangerous waves that could disrupt marine activities in the Indian Ocean and settlements along the Kenyan Coast,” President Ruto said.
To support disaster response and mitigation efforts across the country, the Treasury has been directed to provide adequate resources and work with other development partners to provide for the purchase and supply of food, medical, and other non-food items.
Additionally, the Ministry of Interior has been tasked with coordinating the relocation and evacuation of affected individuals, identifying sites for temporary shelter, and supervising the overall support programs.
In light of the unfolding crisis, the Ministry of Education has been directed to postpone the dates of re-opening schools for the second term until further notice, prioritizing the safety and well-being of students and staff.
