This archive report was first published on 20 May 2021.
As the country prepares for the next academic term, concerns are growing about the school calendar with reports suggesting a potential Covid-19 fourth peak wave could be experienced in July.
The Ministry of Health has cautioned that virus infections may peak in the next two months, raising anxieties in the education sector.
According to Acting Director of Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, the virus patterns of infections from March 2020 to March 2021 provide a hint of the next peak.
"Our analysis shows we had a peak in July and after three months we had another in November. We can categorically state that if this trend continues, our next peak should be in July," Dr. Amoth said.
With the revised school term dates, the present third term for Pre-Primary I&II, Grade One to Three, Standard Five to Seven, and Form One to Three learners ends on July 16.
Parents and school heads are calling for proper planning, citing the busy movements of students in July when the virus is projected to peak.
"This is the time for the government to plan ahead. We should not wait for the peak. Put all plans in place before that time so that we do not have maximum impact," said Nicholas Maiyo, National Parents' Association chairman.
Private schools have cautioned that infections may come from home, advising their members to regularly communicate with parents on the need to abide by protocols at home.
Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (Kessha) National Chairman Kahi Indimuli emphasized the need for proper planning, citing the release of the Sh13 billion capitation to schools to enable them plan to receive the children.
"Schools will need the money to plan again to receive the children. We need to ensure the protocols are implemented and this will require adequate resources," said Indimuli.
Ministry of Health data shows that by May 19, some 148,353 teachers had been vaccinated.
