This archive report was first published on 7 May 2020.
Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha has given assurance that the normal school syllabus for all students will continue from where it stopped once schools reopen.
As of May 7, schools in Kenya had been shut for 52 days due to the coronavirus pandemic, which had infected 582 people in the country.
During a meeting with the National Assembly Education Committee, CS Magoha addressed concerns from parents and guardians that government-sponsored e-learning programs could create inequality among students, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds who may not have access to devices.
“In order to be fair to all the children who in my opinion must be treated equally, when schools re-open we shall ensure that the children cover what they have lost,” CS Magoha said.
He noted that while the e-learning initiative had been timely and engaging for learners, there were indeed challenges faced by some learners in accessing the services.
“The government has the best of intentions but perhaps it is not possible to reach all the children at the state of our development and so the issue if the government is reaching everybody should not be a point of argument,” he said.
CS Magoha stated that different scenarios on the way forward will be presented by the education ministry in a fortnight and urged all Kenyans to exercise patience.
He also encouraged private tutors offering extra content to reach an agreement with parents and guardians before charging fees for their services.
CS Magoha reiterated that this year’s national exams for both primary and secondary schools will proceed as planned, despite the ongoing pandemic.
Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang warned that persons masquerading as teachers and providing e-learning will be arrested and prosecuted.
