In response to the unexpected delay in the reopening of schools, the Kenya Railways Corporation has extended the usability period for Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) tickets purchased by students. The announcement, made on Monday, April 29, ensures that affected students and their accompanying guardians can utilize their tickets from Monday, May 6, to Friday, May 10.

The corporation clarified that this extension applies exclusively to students and their guardians, offering flexibility to those impacted by the sudden alteration in the academic calendar.

"We wish to notify the public that due to the postponement of school reopening dates for all primary and secondary schools by the Ministry of Education, all student tickets purchased for travel between today, Monday, April 29th, and Friday, May 3rd, 2024, aboard the Madaraka Express, will remain valid for use from Monday, May 6th, to Friday, May 10th, 2024," the statement affirmed.

The Ministry of Education's decision to defer the commencement of the new term to May 6 was prompted by the widespread flooding across the country, which jeopardized the safety of students and the functionality of school infrastructure.

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu assured ongoing updates from the ministry and collaborative efforts with relevant stakeholders to mitigate the impact of the inclement weather on schools.

"While addressing the National Assembly Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education on April 11, 2024, Machogu underscored the ministry's commitment to managing the situation effectively."

The delayed reopening directive, however, faced criticism from Kenyans nationwide, who argued that the government should have issued it sooner to prevent inconvenience to families. Despite prior assurances of an unchanged reopening date, the sudden adjustment caused logistical challenges for parents and guardians.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen urged motorists to prioritize the safety of students and exercise caution while ferrying them. In a separate initiative, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja stepped in to assist stranded students in the city, directing his team to provide transportation refunds to students unable to return home due to the postponement.