This archive report was first published on 18 June 2020.
On June 6, President Uhuru Kenyatta directed the ministries of Education and Health to work on modalities for the gradual reopening of schools beginning in September. However, with COVID-19 cases continuing to rise, Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha has cast doubt on the feasibility of this plan.
As of Thursday, June 18, 213 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed, the highest number so far. Magoha, a physician, expressed his concerns about the rising numbers, stating that 'without fear of contradiction, that at this stage our numbers are going up and that we are most likely to have a peak around September–October.'
Magoha's remarks come amid an Infotrak survey showing that seven in 10 Kenyans do not support the plan to reopen schools, fearing a spike in infection rates due to lack of proper control measures. The survey highlighted concerns about social distancing, mask-wearing, and temperature checks in schools.
Magoha stated that in two weeks, the country will be informed whether the September reopening of schools is feasible and if national exams can be done in April next year. He noted that it would not be feasible to administer this year's primary and secondary school exams beyond April 2021, especially after the timetable was disrupted by the closure of schools in March due to the pandemic.
Senators, led by committee chairman and Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja, advised the ministry to consider writing off the academic year.
