This archive report was first published on 24 June 2020.
June 24, 2020 - The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about unprecedented challenges in the education sector, with schools in Kenya expected to reopen in September after a three-month closure.
As part of measures to deal with the pandemic, the Education Cabinet Secretary, Prof. George Magoha, has tasked the Rift Valley Textile East Africa Company (Rivatex) to produce 22 million reusable masks for students.
The masks, which will be tailored to cover the nose and mouth of school-going children, are expected to be produced by Rivatex to help prevent the spread of the virus.
Prof. Magoha, who was on a tour of Rivatex on Monday morning, said that the ministry is working closely with the Ministry of Health to ensure that all children, teachers, and staff in schools will be safe before reopening.
However, the CS expressed doubts over the recent claims that 153,000 school-going girls have been impregnated since schools closed in March, saying the figures 'look abnormal'.
He also disputed the report released by the Kenya Health Information System, wondering where the survey was carried out.
Prof. Magoha urged parents to involve themselves more with their children's lives by providing parental guidance and direction, adding that he has advocated for the blocking of pornographic sites in the country to prevent children from being exposed to corrupting content.
