This archive report was first published on 24 June 2020.
Kenya's Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha has announced that teachers will report to school two weeks earlier than usual to undergo training on COVID-19 measures. This move aims to ensure that the school environment is safe for both learners and teachers.
According to Magoha, the training will cover essential COVID-19 protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment, proper hygiene practices, and social distancing measures. The government has also directed schools to implement additional safety measures, such as providing free masks to learners, fumigating classrooms, and installing water storage facilities.
Furthermore, Magoha has instructed schools to reduce class sizes to accommodate only 15 to 20 learners per classroom, a move that may pose significant challenges to schools that are already overcrowded. This decision comes as Kenya's COVID-19 infections tally inches closer to the 5,000 mark, with 155 new cases reported on Tuesday and 128 deaths attributed to the disease.
As the country prepares for the peak of COVID-19 infections in August, the Ministry of Health is working closely with the education sector to ensure that schools are equipped to handle the pandemic. By reporting to school early, teachers will be better prepared to implement these safety measures and create a safe learning environment for all.
