This archive report was first published on 24 June 2020.
As the country prepares for the reopening of schools in September, Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha has acknowledged that social distancing will be a major challenge.
Speaking in Kitui County on June 24, 2020, Magoha said the existing infrastructure in schools will not support social distancing given the learner population.
However, Magoha emphasized that teachers will be required to report two weeks before reopening for specialized training on COVID-19 management.
The government has also announced plans to provide 24 million face masks to schools by September, with each child expected to receive at least two masks.
According to Magoha, the government will procure the masks from government institutions, including Rivatex, Kicotec, and the National Youth Service (NYS).
“The government will procure 24 million face masks from government institutions of Rivatex, Kicotec and the National Youth Service (NYS) for school children ahead of September re-opening,” Magoha said.
Magoha also emphasized the importance of thermal guns for temperature checks in schools, stating that every school will be required to have them.
These measures are part of the government's efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in schools, which were closed in March due to the pandemic.
