This archive report was first published on 26 June 2020.
June 26, 2020
President Kenyatta's directive to the Education ministry to set up structures for reopening schools in September has sparked concerns about the feasibility of the plan.
Since March, when the government closed all learning institutions to curb the spread of the coronavirus, learners have been at home, with many not receiving any form of learning. Parents have been anxious for the government to make plans to reopen schools.
However, emerging realities are discomfiting. The COVID-19 pandemic is pervasive, with cases reported in at least 40 counties, and health experts warn that the worst is not over.
Prof George Magoha, Cabinet Secretary for Education, has outlined the requirements for reopening schools safely, including reducing class sizes to 15-20 learners to ensure social distancing. However, this is unrealistic in Kenya's circumstances, where classes have an average of 50-70 learners.
The government will also need to provide additional classrooms and teachers to accommodate the reduced class sizes. The Teachers Service Commission has been recruiting intern teachers to ease staff shortages, but the numbers are insignificant.
Furthermore, the government plans to provide at least two face masks to every learner in school, which adds up to 24 million pieces. Producing, packaging, and distributing the masks is a practical challenge.
Prof Magoha has been leading teams of ministry officials on school visits to determine their preparedness. The National Treasury should also urgently release the Sh6.5 billion education stimulus package announced by President Kenyatta to facilitate plans for the reopening of schools.
