This archive report was first published on 1 July 2020.
Kenya's education sector remains in limbo as the country grapples with the Covid-19 pandemic. The Ministry of Education has been at the center of the debate, with Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha stating that schools will not reopen until the pandemic curve is flattened.
Speaking during a consultative meeting with officials of trade unions in Education at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development on Wednesday, Prof Magoha emphasized the importance of prioritizing the health and safety of school children.
“The position of parents has been that we don’t open until the curve is flattened,” Prof Magoha said, echoing the sentiments of many Kenyans.
Prof Magoha also revealed that a meeting with the Council of Governors suggested that schools should not be reopened until the pandemic curve is flattened. He added that President Uhuru Kenyatta will make an official announcement on when schools are likely to open on July 6.
As the debate on when schools will reopen continues, officials from various education unions, including the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut), Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet), Universities Academic Staff Union (Uasu), Kenya Women Teachers Association (Kewota), Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (Kessha), and Kenya Primary Schools Heads Association (Kepsha), were present during the meeting.
President Kenyatta had directed the ministry to start preparing for schools to reopen in September, but the latest developments suggest that this may not be possible. Prof Magoha, however, assured Kenyans that the ministry is working to ensure that schools are supplied with essential items, including 24 million face masks for students.
Each learner will be given two reusable masks when schools open, and water tanks will be installed in all schools to enable students to wash their hands regularly. Prof Magoha acknowledged that social distancing might be a challenge in schools but assured Kenyans that all measures are being put in place ahead of the schools reopening.
