This archive report was first published on 14 August 2020.
On August 14, 2020, parents wrote to the Ministry of Health, demanding the immediate unconditional reopening of schools and learning institutions.
According to a letter seen by Nyakundi Report, Aura Enock, on behalf of parents, accused the Ministry of Education under CS Prof George Magoha of unconstitutionally and unlawfully closing down education institutions without considering the consequences inflicted on school children and other learners.
The parents, represented by lawyer Harrison Kinyanjui, want the government to open schools by September 1, 2020, or face legal action.
“Take further notice that such legal and any ancillary proceedings will be lodged at the very grave risk of your having to bear costs arising and our clients shall thence have recourse to the pursuit of motions against you for having violated the constitution against the helpless millions of school-going Kenyan children,” the letter stated.
The parents also accused CS Magoha of abdicating patriotism and ceding the rights to foreign interests, and perpetuating an agenda alien and injurious to the best interests of Kenyan children.
They argued that the decision to close schools has caused untold losses to proprietors of schools, and that other countries have reopened their learning institutions, citing Taiwan, Sweden, and the UK as examples.
The parents claimed that Kenyan children cannot be said to face a serious risk of infection than children in these countries, and that the CS has no consideration for the welfare and best interests of Kenyan children.
