NAIROBI: Kenya’s president William Samoei Ruto has directed the Ministry of Education to postpone the reopening of schools amid heavy rainfall that has killed and left scores homeless. The new directive comes barely three days before when schools were scheduled to reopen on May 6.
President Ruto warned that the rain will extend into next month thus Kenya will face its first cyclone, Hidaya, with extreme repercussions.
“Metrological reports paint a dire picture, the rains will persist for the rest of this month and possibly after. Kenya will face its first cyclone. This cyclone will hit any time, and it’s predicted to cause torrential rain, strong winds, and dangerous waves” Revealed William Ruto.
The head of state made the remarks on Friday at the State House while giving his State of the nation address as mandated by Article 132 of the Constitution of Kenya requires a sitting president to address the nation on the progress of his administration in Parliament every year.
Cyclone Hidaya, if it hits, will be accompanied by very strong winds across coastal areas, thunderstorms and bands of showers which could potentially wreak havoc on property, infrastructure and livelihoods.
READ: Over 90 victims Evacuated After Maasai Mara National Reserve Floods
According to government data, more than 190,000 people have so far been affected by the floods and at least 210 are known to have died as reported by BBC earlier today. Ruto urged Kenyans in flood-prone areas to promptly relocate to safer grounds with assistance from all security agencies.
“With meteorological reports forecasting increased rainfall, we urge Kenyans in flood-prone areas to promptly relocate to safer grounds. Adequate resources have been allocated to mitigate the effects of the floods on those affected,” said President Ruto.
“I direct all security agencies to evacuate all vulnerable Kenyans” Added President William Ruto. In his address, President Ruto inspired hope by declaring that we shall overcome the challenges posed by the floods calling for unity and compassion in the recovery efforts.” he ended.
