This archive report was first published on 9 July 2020.
As Kenya's school year remains on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns about the safety and well-being of students have been growing. Parents, teachers, and school administrators are anxiously waiting for the Education and Health ministries to chart a way forward on reopening schools.
According to various stakeholders, including religious organizations, the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), and parents, the decision to postpone schooling until 2021 may have been influenced by countries such as France and South Korea, where schools were reopened only to be shut down shortly after due to a spike in COVID-19 cases.
Children in Kenyan schools face unique challenges when it comes to contagious diseases, and the conditions in many schools exacerbate the situation. With class sizes often exceeding 50 students, social distancing remains a myth. Moreover, the lack of running water and basic amenities makes it difficult for students to maintain proper hygiene.
St. Vincent Secondary School in Rioki, a community school sponsored by the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi, is a prime example of the challenges faced by rural public schools in Kenya. Despite the efforts of the school's management, parents, and the local community, the school still lacks basic amenities such as running water and a laboratory.
The school's students, however, are a testament to the potential of Kenyan youth. Despite the challenges they face, they are vibrant, knowledgeable, and up-to-date with technology. Many of them aspire to great things, and a small number of them have even made it to university or technical and vocational training.
As the government considers reopening schools, it is essential that they address the underlying challenges that face Kenyan schools. This includes creating space to accommodate the large number of students, providing access to clean water and basic amenities, and ensuring the safety and well-being of students. By using the school break to improve learning conditions, the government can help ensure that Kenyan students receive the education they deserve.
