This archive report was first published on 21 May 2020.
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to spread, Kenyans are increasingly calling for the reopening of schools. However, this proposal is nothing short of ridiculous, especially considering the dire state of our education institutions.
According to the Health ministry, the number of Covid-19 infections and deaths is on the rise, yet there is mounting pressure on the government to reopen schools. But do our institutions have the capacity to implement the necessary Covid-19 safety measures?
Our boarding and day public schools are overcrowded, with students sharing scarce basic facilities such as dormitories, laboratories, libraries, dining halls, and toilets. This makes it impossible to maintain social distancing, a crucial measure in preventing the spread of the virus.
Teenagers are notorious for their disobedience, and it would be unrealistic to expect them to adhere to rules and take responsibility for their actions, especially when it comes to avoiding the coronavirus. Moreover, students often take on cleaning duties due to a lack of cleaners, making it even more challenging to maintain hygiene.
When not dealing with the challenges of observing hygiene, schools will be grappling with the ostracization of students and teachers from virus hotspots. Our schools may not have a database of where all their students live or the places they visited during the break, but the learners know themselves and could use the official statistics to stigmatize their colleagues.
Can our schools even set up and run efficient quarantine centers? If public facilities handling Covid-19 patients reportedly face shortages of personnel, drugs, and equipment, wouldn't we be expecting too much from schools by telling them to perform the task?
With under 10,000 Kenyans so far tested for the virus, it would be foolhardy for anyone to think that schools have the capacity to carry out testing on the millions of students. And who will provide the testing kits and equip the students and staff with sanitizers and face masks for free?
Ultimately, reopening schools during the pandemic is a reckless decision that could have disastrous consequences. It's time for the government to prioritize the safety and well-being of our children and teachers over political expediency.
