County Alerts Schools on Heat Safety Measures for Students

In light of rising temperatures, the Ministry of Education has issued new heat-safety guidelines urging all schools—including those in Nairobi—to take proactive measures to protect learners during extreme heat. The guidance, developed in consultation with the Ministry of Health, advises schools to enforce hydration protocols, ensure students wear light-weight clothing, and limit strenuous outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the risks of heat exhaustion and heat stroke are highest.
Authorities are also recommending stronger supervision during peak heat periods and adjusting school routines to minimise exposure. Schools are encouraged to reorganise timetables, include more indoor breaks, and schedule high-energy lessons or co-curricular activities during cooler parts of the day. The Ministry emphasizes that these steps are essential to safeguarding learner health during hot spells.
Education stakeholders in Nairobi say the advisory is timely. With climate change making heat waves more frequent, school heads note that many classrooms already lack efficient ventilation, putting students at risk. Teachers have called for practical support from county governments to help schools install shade structures, water-stations, and cooling fans.
Moving forward, the Ministry plans to closely monitor implementation through education officers and health inspectors. Schools that adopt the guidelines will also be encouraged to share best practices via county education networks. Observers say that if effectively implemented, Nairobi could set a precedent for how Kenya’s urban school system responds to rising temperatures and protects children’s well-being in changing climate conditions.