This archive report was first published on 11 May 2021.
On Monday, Teachers Service Commission CEO Nancy Macharia revealed that 37 teachers have lost their lives to Covid-19, a stark reminder of the pandemic's impact on the education sector.
The 37 include 24 principals, 3 deputy principals, and 10 teachers, a sobering statistic that underscores the need for continued vigilance and support for educators.
Ms Macharia made the announcement during the release of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examination (KCSE) at Mitihani House, where she also highlighted the commission's efforts to protect teachers and students.
So far, 151,494 teachers across the country have received the first dose of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine, a significant step towards ensuring a safe learning environment.
"The Ministry of Education has launched the Mwalimucare app to help teachers access medical care. TSC is also set to launch a biometric system of teachers in all schools," said Ms Macharia, outlining the commission's plans to support teachers.
President Uhuru Kenyatta had directed in April 2021 that all teachers and school support staff receive the Covid-19 vaccine, a decision that Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha said would ensure schools are safe for learning amid the pandemic.
As schools reopened for the Third term on Monday, the directive served as a timely reminder of the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of Covid-19.
The pandemic was first recorded in Kenya in March 2020, leading to a raft of measures to curb its spread, including the closure of all learning institutions before they were later reopened with strict measures in place.
