MPs summon CS Machogu over school opening changes

Machogu is expected to meet the MPs, for questioning regarding the effects of a last-minute communication, announcing changes on school opening dates. 

The MPs expect Machogu to address the effects of the changes on the term dates. 

On Monday, the Ministry of Education made changes to school opening dates.

Learners, who were expected to begin reporting to school on Monday, April 29, were told to report as from May 6, 2024.

A circular from the ministry was sent out at around 1.00 am. This attracted public uproar over the timeliness of the communication. 

A number of parents expressed dissatisfaction with the timing of the communication, as some students had already began their travel to schools. 

On Monday morning, a number of students were seen stranded in bus stations. 

The Education Ministry postponed the school opening due to ongoing floods. 

While announcing the postponement, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu said the ministry directed field officers to submit data from all Basic Education Learning Institutions countrywide, where adverse effects of the heavy rains were reported.

“Reports received at the Ministry of Education, corroborated with data from other relevant Government agencies, show that a number of schools in various regions of the country have been adversely affected by the rains,” Machogu said.

The Minister would later defend his decision, saying the safety of learners was crucial, despite the timeliness of the message.