This archive report was first published on 23 May 2020.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread in Kenya, headteachers are urging the government to reconsider its plans to reopen schools.
According to Nicholas Gathemia, chairperson of the Kenya Primary School Heads Association (Kepsha), the decision to reopen schools should be well-informed and based on data from the Ministry of Health and other government agencies.
Mr. Gathemia expressed concerns over the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the country, stating that it is not possible to observe social distancing measures in congested classrooms.
"No schools should open until the virus is fully eradicated or brought under control in the country," he said.
Mr. Gathemia also emphasized the need for schools to be fumigated, for parents and pupils to be sensitized on their roles in keeping safe, and for teachers to be allowed to report to the nearest schools if they are unable to travel.
Additionally, headteachers want schools to be fenced, have adequate soap and water, and sanitizers, and for visitors to be restricted.
However, the Kenya Women Teachers Association (Kewota) has called for schools to reopen in July, with the association suggesting a 90-day allowance for the government to put in place health and safety measures.
On Friday, a 10-member taskforce chaired by Dr. Sara Ruto began collecting views from various stakeholders across the country to explore ways to restore normalcy in the basic education sector's academic calendar.
