Govt moves to shield schools, national exams from looming El Niño disruption

Nairobi, Kenya - In anticipation of a potentially severe El Niño weather event expected between October and November, the Kenyan government is ramping up efforts to safeguard schools, students, and educators, according to a report on August 31. The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Kenya Red Cross Society, is formulating strategies to preserve the integrity of the education system despite the anticipated heavy rainfall.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba highlighted the sector's vulnerability to climate-related disasters, stressing the importance of robust disaster preparedness and management. During a meeting with the Kenya Red Cross Society Secretary General, Ahmed Idris, Ogamba emphasized that the education sector is particularly susceptible to climate-induced disruptions, which can jeopardize learner safety, teacher well-being, and the structural integrity of schools, potentially hindering educational continuity.

Ogamba's remarks followed consultations with humanitarian allies to fortify the nation's defenses against the looming weather challenge. The Ministry of Education plans to collaborate with the Red Cross and other stakeholders to implement safeguards aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of extreme weather on educational institutions.

This proactive stance comes after the government designated 18 counties and several urban centers, including Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu, as high-risk zones susceptible to flooding, landslides, disease outbreaks, infrastructure damage, and displacement. The National Disaster Operations Centre has identified these areas as particularly vulnerable.

Kenya's Meteorological Service predicts an 81% likelihood of a strong El Niño event, with a 97% probability that its impacts could endure into early 2024, prompting urgent action from the government and its partners.