This archive report was first published on 5 August 2020.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, the Kenyan government's decision to prioritize children's lives over education has sparked intense debate. The enforced long holiday has left parents with a difficult choice: either homeschool their children or opt for online studies.
However, online learning comes with its own set of risks, including the infiltration of live sessions by hackers who post graphic adult content. This raises concerns about the safety of children during this period.
But despite these risks, the government's order for schools to be reopened in January, when the virus is expected to be under control, has been seen as a win-win scenario for parents and the government. This decision has helped to sufficiently protect lives and boost the COVID-19 war effort.
According to Katarina Tomasevski, a former UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education, education must be a meaningful right that is available, accessible, acceptable, and adaptable. However, in Kenya, the concept of 'acceptable' education is still a long shot, and many schools lack the capacity to monitor students' health and run COVID-19 tests on staff.
Education institutions should be barred from cultural discrimination and physically accessible by children. People with diverse religious beliefs must have equal rights, and no person or religious organization should deny others their rights or impose their views on them.
Ultimately, the government's decision to prioritize children's lives over education has been seen as a necessary measure to protect lives during this pandemic. As the country continues to navigate this crisis, it is clear that the right to life takes priority over education.
