In a proactive move, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has taken action to aid stranded students, directing his officers to cover transport costs for those unable to return home following the Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu's late-night directive.

During an interview on Radio Citizen, Governor Sakaja announced his intention to personally oversee the assistance efforts, pledging to visit matatu stages to provide support firsthand.

The impetus for this initiative stems from the predicament faced by students who had already embarked on their journeys home before the announcement postponing school reopening to Monday, May 6.

Sakaja emphasized that regardless of their county of origin, all stranded students in Nairobi would receive assistance, citing instances where students were left in limbo after already commencing their travels.

"I've witnessed several distressing images of stranded students online, some having been given one-way fare to school," he remarked. "As soon as I leave the studio, I'll head to the stages myself to ensure these students receive the necessary fare and even a refreshment."

In addition to his efforts to alleviate the students' plight, Sakaja urged the public to refrain from unfairly criticizing CS Machogu for the timing of his directive, suggesting that extenuating circumstances may have influenced the late-night decision.

"Perhaps the information was received late at night, or directives were issued from higher authorities for the greater good. We shouldn't assume ill intentions behind government actions," Sakaja asserted.

Meanwhile, Machogu defended his decision, citing reports from regional education authorities regarding the adverse effects of heavy rains on school infrastructure.

"In light of the ongoing inclement weather, the Ministry of Education instructed its field officers to provide data from all Basic Education Learning Institutions nationwide to assess school readiness for the Second Term opening," Machogu's statement explained.

"Reports received by the Ministry corroborated data from other relevant government agencies, indicating significant damage to schools in various regions due to the rains."