Floods: 87 schools in the Coast region to remain closed

As schools re-open this week, more than 80 schools in the coastal region will remain closed due to the heavy rains and flooding being experienced across the country.

Coast Regional Education Coordinator Abdulkadir Like on Monday said 87 schools – 70 in Tana River and 17 from Kilifi – will not begin the second term this week.

According to Like, the affected schools remain flooded, raising safety concerns for pupils and students. The schools are set to remain closed until the safety of the learners is guaranteed.

The rains have displaced more than 150,000 people countrywide, with Tana River county bearing the brunt of the floods.

The Ministry of Education was on Monday expected to give direction on re-opening dates in affected areas amid calls to defer the opening dates.

Over the weekend, the Kenya Meteorological Department put residents of the Coast region on high alert as the area is expected to receive heavy rainfall.

Areas of concern have been identified as Lamu, Kilifi, coastal part of Tana-River County, Mombasa and Kwale.