This archive report was first published on 26 June 2020.
On June 26, 2020, Education stakeholders met to brainstorm about the reopening of learning institutions in September. However, the prevailing Covid-19 status will largely dictate the reopening of schools, according to Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha.
Prof Magoha stressed that it would be impossible to continue with the plan if cases are still high. He added that they will strongly rely on the advice of the Health ministry on reopening of the institutions.
As a physician, Prof Magoha emphasized the importance of waiting until the peak of the pandemic has been reached and stabilized for 14 days continuously before reopening schools. He cited that no country in the world has dared to reopen when Covid-19 infections were still rising.
Prof Magoha noted that achieving physical and social distancing in the institutions remains the elephant in the room in ongoing consultations. Various options have been considered, but a solid strategy has yet to be implemented.
However, Technical and Vocational Training Education Institutions (TVETs) stand a higher chance of reopening in shifts as opposed to primary and secondary schools, the CS said, citing infrastructural challenges and the congestion problem in the later.
Prof Magoha also dismissed calls by the Kenya National Union Teachers to scrap the teachers' delocalisation policy, terming it petty politics.
Dr Julius Juan, Principal Secretary in charge of TVETs, stated that TVET institutions would play a crucial role in the ongoing fight against Covid-19 if reopened, as many are producing items critical in the fight.
