This archive report was first published on 12 May 2020.
On May 12, 2020, Education Cabinet Secretary Prof. George Magoha appointed a 10-member committee to explore the best possible strategies for restoring normalcy in the basic education sector.
The committee, which started its work immediately, will be headed by Kenya Institute for Curriculum Development Chairperson Dr. Sarah Ruto.
The members include Indimuli Kahi, Chair of the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association, Nicholas Gathemia, Chair of the Kenya Primary Schools Heads Association, Peter Ndoro, CEO of the Kenya Private Schools Association, Jane Mwangi of the Kenya Association for Independent International Schools, Peter Sitienei, Chair of the Kenya Special Schools Heads Association, and six ex-official members: Ruth Mugambi, Patrick Ochich, Gabriel Mathenge, Paul Kibet, Ann Gachoya, and Dr. Loice Ombajo.
The committee's mandate includes advising the Cabinet Secretary on the timing for the reopening of basic education institutions, including boarding schools, reviewing and reorganizing the school calendar, and advising on health and safety measures to be put in place by all schools.
Dr. Ruto and her team will also identify institutions adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic and advise on appropriate mitigation and recovery measures.
Magoha had previously postponed the re-opening of schools for one month to give more time for the fight against the spread of the contagious disease.
He had promised to release possible scenarios in the school calendar within two weeks, prioritizing the safety of learners even if it means pushing the national exams and re-opening of schools to next year.
Magoha stated, 'If children are going to stay at home for one year, so be it, because they are safe there. The exams can be done next year.'
