This archive report was first published on 8 July 2020.
On July 8, 2020, Education CS George Magoha announced that all learning institutions in Kenya would be closed until January 2021 due to the rising trend of Coronavirus cases in the country.
Magoha directed all learning institutions to refund second and third term fees to parents who had paid, citing the impossibility of achieving social distancing in schools.
He proposed that parents and learning institutions come to an agreement to carry the fees forward to next year, when schools reopen.
Magoha's decision was made in consultation with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders, who agreed that reducing physical numbers in classes would affect learning and that social and physical distancing was crucial in ensuring the safety of learners.
Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) Secretary-General, Akello Misori, Teachers Service Commission (TSC) CEO Nancy Macharia, and KNUT colleague Wilson Sossion seconded Magoha's decision to reopen schools in January next year.
