This archive report was first published on 7 July 2020.
Kenya's Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha made a significant announcement on Tuesday, July 7, 2020, regarding the reopening of primary and secondary schools. The initial proposal to reopen schools in September for Class 8 and Form 4 learners has been shelved due to the disturbing trend of COVID-19 cases rising steadily.
Magoha stated that the Government had no choice but to postpone the reopening of schools, citing the need to prioritize the safety of learners. As a result, all students and pupils will have to repeat their current classes.
The new school calendar has been pushed to January 2021, with the National examinations slated for this year being rescheduled to next year. Magoha emphasized that there will be no KCPE and KCSE for the year 2020, with the earliest possible date for the exams being late 2021.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs) will resume this year, but under strict guidelines. Universities, on the other hand, will consider phased reopening but must comply with the Ministry of Health guidelines on the management of Covid-19 or risk closure.
Magoha noted that the new school calendar is not cast in stone and can be reviewed if the COVID-19 situation improves. The Education CS emphasized the importance of social and physical distancing in ensuring the safety of learners.
