This archive report was first published on 30 June 2020.
As the world slowly reopens its economies, Kenya's schools remain a sticking point in the debate. The current Covid-19 rules counter the national objective of 100% transition, making social distancing impossible. To address this issue, the writer suggests a private-public partnership solution.
Private universities have already set a precedent by allowing students to choose courses and universities, leading to competition and improved service delivery. The government can sponsor students to study in private universities, focusing on strategic courses deemed essential to national interests.
Similarly, the government can disperse crowded public schools to private schools, which must meet minimum standards in terms of infrastructure. This approach will not only reduce the risks of Covid-19 but also improve the standards of education.
The writer proposes a lottery system to split old schools into new ones, with the government declaring the number of 'school seats' needed before the schools open. Bidders can then build or expand existing private schools, with the option to float a school bond and lend money to developers at a subsidised rate.
For hardship areas, the writer suggests recruiting the army corp of engineers to build schools. This approach will take the private-public partnership model to another level, providing a sustainable solution to the school reopening quandary.
Ultimately, the writer believes that this approach will benefit the country in the long run, reducing the risks of Covid-19 and improving the standards of education.
