Ogamba unveils emergency plan to keep schools and exams running during El Niño

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has unveiled an emergency preparedness plan to safeguard learners, teachers, and schools during the anticipated strong El Niño weather event in October and November, ensuring educational programs continue uninterrupted. In a meeting with Kenya Red Cross Secretary General Dr. Ahmed Idris on Monday, August 31, 2026, Ogamba highlighted the risks posed by climate-related disasters, emphasizing the importance of disaster preparedness to protect schools and ensure seamless learning.

The ministry plans to focus on safeguarding school communities before the forecasted heavy rains, with a primary goal of preventing disruptions to national examinations and assessments. The collaboration between the Ministry of Education and the Kenya Red Cross Society aims to implement measures to ensure the safety of all involved and maintain education programs without interruption.

This preparation is crucial as thousands of candidates prepare for end-of-year national examinations amid growing concerns over the impact of climate change on education infrastructure.