This archive report was first published on 11 July 2020.
Broke Private Schools Face Total Shut Down ¶
Kenya's private schools are on the brink of collapse due to the prolonged closure caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The crisis has left many schools without a source of income, forcing proprietors to struggle with paying salaries for hundreds of teachers and non-teaching staff.
According to the Kenya Private Schools Association (KPSA), most private institutions are struggling to meet operational costs. Parents who owe the institutions millions of shillings are withholding payments in a wait-and-see game due to the pandemic, while others have already lost their jobs.
Proprietors of private schools are asking for a Sh7 billion grant to pay teachers and maintain learning institutions. However, the government's response to the crisis has been slow, with Education CS George Magoha directing that learners repeat classes next year instead of adjusting the school calendar to enhance transition and accommodate the new reality.
Some private schools are crippled by debt and risk closing down or having their assets auctioned. The Sunday Nation is aware of some schools that have been thrown out by landlords after defaulting on rent for the months.
As the opening date is extended to January next year, the reality of the need to keep children engaged has sunk in for many parents. However, many parents' incomes have dwindled owing to layoffs, salary cuts, or reduced activity in their businesses. As such, fewer learners have subscribed for the lessons, and some schools have had to review their fees to enhance access.
Despite the challenges, some private schools are finding innovative ways to keep children engaged. For instance, Hekima School head teacher Peter Okello is encouraging parents to enroll their children for online classes at a cost of Sh2,000 per month. Online learning platforms like Soma Smart are also making it possible for teachers to offer virtual classes.
Published on July 11, 2020, by the Nation Team.
