The Kenyan government has now turned its attention to learning institutions to assess the extent of the damage caused by the callous El Nino rains that have been pounding the country for a month now.

In a circular dated Monday, December 4, 2023, the Ministry of Education stated that this move aims to fulfill its mandate of providing access to quality, equitable, and inclusive education to all learners.

“The Rapid Assessment Tools will focus on the number of schools affected in terms of accessibility and hosting of IDPs. The number of learners and staff from the affected schools will be disaggregated by gender,” the circular reads in part.

The assessment tools will also determine the nature and number of damaged facilities and infrastructure, informing relevant interventions to assist in the smooth reopening of schools, set for January 8, 2024.

Ksh.7 billion allocated to address the effects of El Nino rains

On Monday, November 27, 2023, the government allocated Ksh. 7 billion to address the effects of the El Nino rains, as stated by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed.

The allocation was solely for humanitarian aid, including but not limited to the distribution of medical supplies, food and non-food items, infrastructure rehabilitation, and resettling displaced families.

“The Cabinet sadly acknowledged the loss of 76 Kenyans due to El Nino, with 35,000 households displaced, predominantly affecting regions in North Eastern, Eastern, and Coast areas,” he said.

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According to the report issued by the government, as of November 27, an estimated 76 Kenyans had lost their lives due to the El Nino rains, causing widespread devastation across the country through floods, mudslides, and related disasters.