This archive report was first published on 9 May 2020.
On May 9, 2020, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) called on the national government to implement stringent COVID-19 protocols in schools to ensure a safe reopening of learning institutions.
KNUT Secretary General Wilson Sossion proposed the creation of a technical team to oversee day-to-day operations in schools, including adherence to social distancing.
The proposed team would consist of members from Boards of Management, Parents Association, KNUT, Headteachers Association, and Religious Organisations.
According to KNUT, the technical team would jointly inspect school facilities with quality assurance and standards officers, BOM members, public health officials, and other stakeholders to establish compliance with COVID-19 protocols.
KNUT also proposed the reconfiguration of classrooms to facilitate social distancing, a ban on field trips, school assemblies, physical education, and choir classes, as well as the screening of pupils, teachers, and non-teaching staff every morning and evening.
The union further requested the activation of the school feeding programme to ease financial and logistical pressure on parents and guardians.
