This archive report was first published on 24 August 2020.
On August 24, 2020, Education CS George Magoha clashed with the World Health Organisation (WHO) over Kenya's schools reopening plan.
WHO had urged African countries to expedite the re-opening of schools, citing the negative effects of the extended education disruption, including poor nutrition, stress, increased exposure to violence and exploitation, and childhood pregnancies.
However, Magoha hit back at WHO, accusing the global health body of treating Africa as a 'guinea pig'.
"Do you think it is our president and his government who have the interests of our children at heart or is it WHO and UNICEF? The same WHO is double-speaking, I am Magoha, son of Magoha and you can take it to the bank," Magoha stated.
Magoha also pointed out that many other countries outside Africa were worse off, and that WHO's protocols were not tailored to Africa's specific needs.
"I want you to remember that there are Asian countries that are worse than many other African countries. They have given us protocols which we must do and because they think we are African, it is okay. Is someone trying to treat us as guinea pigs or what? We as government, we love our children," he added.
WHO had argued that schools paved way for success for many Africans as well as provided a safe haven for children in challenging situations.
"We must not be blind-sided by our efforts to contain Covid-19 and end up with a lost generation. Just as countries are opening businesses safely, we can reopen schools," WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr Matshidiso Moeti stated on August 20, 2020.
