Heavy rains and deadly floods have forced Kenya to suspend the reopening of schools by a week. They were originally scheduled to resume classes on Monday. The Ministry of Education made public a delay until May 6th, 2024.

The decision comes after heavy downpours caused widespread damage, impacting numerous schools and threatening student and staff safety. 

Education Minister Ezekiel Machogu said the devastating effects on schools are severe.

"We cannot risk lives before ensuring proper safety measures are in place," he added.

The El Nino weather pattern has intensified the rainy season in East Africa, leading to catastrophic flooding. Since March, Kenya alone has seen 76 fatalities and over 130,000 people displaced.

The capital, Nairobi, has been hit particularly hard, with nearly a third of its public schools significantly affected.

The situation extends beyond Kenya's borders. Neighbouring Tanzania has suffered at least 155 deaths due to flooding and landslides. In Burundi, relentless rains have displaced close to 96,000 people, and Uganda has confirmed riverbank breaches, with several hundred villagers displaced.

This flooding comes on the heels of a devastating drought that plagued the region late last year. As East Africa strives to recover from these challenges, the future remains uncertain.