This archive report was first published on 21 April 2020.
Private schools adapt to online learning ¶
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, private schools in Kenya are turning to online classes to generate income from fees and stay afloat.
According to the Kenya Association of International Schools, elite private schools such as Braeburn Schools, the Aga Khan Academy, and Sabis International School have reached an agreement with parents to charge fees for teaching students online.
Mid-tier institutions like Riara School and Makini School are also preparing to open virtual classes in coming weeks.
Some schools are offering fee discounts of between 10 and 50 percent for the second term, while others are offering rebates for meals, transport, and extra-curricular activities.
However, parents are seeking bigger discounts, arguing that schools' running costs have dropped and that some are being asked to assist with online classes.
“Most schools are opening the term tomorrow, and the classes will be done virtually. We have been forced to take a giant leap into the future,” said Jane Mwangi, secretariat coordinator of the Kenya Association of International Schools.
Private schools are facing a financial crisis due to the pandemic, with some members of the Private Schools Association saying that some institutions have already started engaging the government for financial aid.
Unlike government schools, private schools do not receive capitation or State funding, meaning they depend entirely on fees to run their operations.
According to this year's school calendar, primary and secondary schools were scheduled to close by April 10, and the second term was scheduled to begin on May 4.
