This archive report was first published on 4 August 2020.
Kenya's private education sector is facing a crisis, with the COVID-19 pandemic having a devastating impact on schools across the country.
According to the Kenya Private Schools Association, at least 126 private schools are at risk of closure due to the economic effects of the pandemic.
Speaking to KBC on Tuesday, the association's CEO Peter Ndoro warned that around 43,000 learners in the affected private schools may not be able to resume learning in their respective schools next year if urgent intervention measures are not undertaken.
Ndoro noted that the number of affected schools is expected to rise as more investors in the sector struggle to keep up with harsh economic times.
The association is engaging with the government, treasury, and the national assembly to consider extending a stimulus programme to private schools to cushion them during this period.
On reports that some private schools are promising parents that their children will proceed to the next class in the new year due to online learning, Ndoro said the matter is subject to debate and the association will follow the position of the education ministry.
He encouraged parents to continue paying for online classes as a way of supporting schools during this time.
