This archive report was first published on 19 July 2020.
As Kenya prepares to reopen schools, the Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha has emphasized the importance of safety measures in institutions. In a recent announcement, he directed universities, teacher training colleges, and technical training institutions to be ready to reopen in September, with a focus on implementing health protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
However, a month before the planned reopening, it appears that many institutions are not prepared. Preliminary reports from meetings convened by Prof Magoha with the heads of institutions indicate that only a few are ready. At the university level, Strathmore University has been declared ready for reopening, while three teacher training colleges - Murang'a, Kibabii, and Kericho - have also met the threshold.
Despite the challenges, the reopening of colleges in September is seen as a crucial step towards relaxing restrictions in the education sector. The reason for beginning with colleges is that they have mature students who understand health protocols and can take care of themselves and minimize infections. Their experience will inform plans for reopening primary and secondary schools.
The closure of schools and colleges has dealt a significant blow to education, with learners in schools losing a whole year and having to repeat classes next year. This comes with high social, economic, and psychological costs. The last time the education sector suffered similarly was in 1982, when the University of Nairobi and Kenyatta University College were closed for nine months, creating a major backlog that took five years to clear.
Therefore, it is essential for the colleges to work on implementing health protocols to prepare for reopening. The management of institutions must expedite the required processes and get ready for reopening in September as directed.
