This archive report was first published on 25 August 2020.
On August 25, 2020, a Kenyan court dealt a blow to the government's plan to resume learning in estates and villages following the Covid-19 pandemic.
The High Court in Kenya issued a temporary order to halt the Ministry of Education's community-based learning plan, following a petition filed by a parent, Mr. Joseph Enock Aura.
Mr. Aura challenged the government's decision to close schools, calling it 'draconian' and a violation of learners' rights and provisions of the Basic Education Act.
He argued that the closure of schools was not a solution to the Covid-19 pandemic, citing the lack of a clear mortality rate and the fact that the directive was not published in the Kenya Gazette or debated in the National Assembly.
The court certified the matter urgent and directed the parent to furnish the Attorney-General and ministries of Education, Health, and the National Council for Children's Services with the petition within two days.
Mr. Aura is seeking orders to compel the Education ministry to reopen in-person learning institutions and schools from September 1.
