President Ruto Declares May 13 as New School Start Date

President William Ruto has made a significant reversal in the decision to reopen schools, declaring that all educational institutions will resume classes on Monday, May 13.

This announcement comes just a week after President Ruto initially suspended the reopening of schools until further notice. The change in plans was revealed during a session at State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday.

President Ruto disclosed the new reopening date while hosting grassroots leaders from Laikipia North and Kajiado Central, led by their respective Members of Parliament Sarah Lekorere and Elijah Memusi.

Earlier, President Ruto had directed the Ministry of Education to postpone the reopening of schools, citing concerns raised by the meteorological department regarding worsening flooding due to ongoing rains.

“Meteorological reports paint a dire picture,” President Ruto remarked. “The rains will persist, increasing both in duration and intensity for the rest of this month and possibly after.”

The initial reopening date for schools had been set for April 29. However, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu postponed the resumption due to heavy rains, which had caused flooding in several areas.

Machogu emphasized that reopening schools amidst the adverse weather conditions would pose significant risks to the safety of students and staff in affected regions.