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Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has stated that schools will have to open according to the scheduled plans despite the impacts of heavy rains across the city.
His statement comes amid requests by the public to extend the opening dates due to the ongoing heavy downpours that have claimed several lives, destroyed property and halted transportation in various regions.
Gachagua was speaking from Valley Bridge Primary School in Kiamaiko, Mathare, where he was overseeing food distribution and evaluating the situation of displaced communities on Sunday, April 28.
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He urged Kenyans to exercise caution especially those risking their lives to cross raging waters.
"We love you kenyans and are dearly asking you to take care of yourselves. Do not fight nature. We have seen people drowning because they want to explore nature by risking their lives. We have admitted and accepted that you are adventurers, but you will be the losers. Even if you have no regard for your life, you have families and we need you working to take care of them," he said.
The deputy president also announced plans to relocate those currently seeking shelter in schools to provide space for students.
Additionally, Gachagua revealed the government's initiative to establish three camps in Nairobi: at Masinde Muliro grounds, the Mavoko assistant chief's camp, and another location in Kasarani, yet to be identified.
"Those in schools will be relocated so that our students can resume learning. We will take them to secure places at Masinde Muliro Grounds, The Mavoko assistant chief's camps, and we will decide on a camp in Kasarani in the afternoon," he added.
The second-in-command further confirmed that the government had instructed the Kenya Urban Roads Authority to reconstruct 26 bridges that were swept away by floods to facilitate the return of students to schools.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Meteorological Department warned Nairobi residents to be cautious as the city expects to receive more heavy rains.
According to the communication, the rains may cause more havoc than before.
The heavy rains experienced in the capital city have disrupted transport on most roads as well as destroyed property including homes and schools.
Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke
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Rigathi Gachagua. He has maintained that schools will reopen.
H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, EGH on Twitter: "The National Government
H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, EGH on Twitter: "The National Government