In all of his recent press briefings, Education CS George Magoha has been on a hot streak, showing off his arrogance while dodging all questions regarding the stand on Kenyan schools re-opening.
The whole education ministry has been releasing conflicting statements on school reopening since the first day, with Magoha releasing a different date on every press briefing.
First, Magoha said he was not the right person to be asked when schools would reopen, Second time he said learning was going on online.
Only daft or paid people believe there is enough infrastructure in this debt-ridden country to support online learning at any level. Due to social inequality, only privileged homeschooled kids can enjoy such.
In June, he announced that the ministry had decided that schools would reopen in January 2021 and the whole 2020 calendar canceled. The next week, the decision was reversed with now recently saying schools were likely to reopen in October.
These contradictory statements have caused confusion and apprehension among students and parents and the general public. Teachers were made to go back to schools in preparation for the gradual re-opening of the institutions, which Magoha had said would be communicated at the president’s address.
The president, Uhuru Kenyatta did not help any matters. Last week, after calling a meeting with stakeholders, Magoha said only Uhuru could communicate on official dates. Come yesterday, the president absolved himself from that responsibility and said it was Magohas, clearly showcasing how incompetent the CS and his ministry is.
The fact that the two heads keep throwing the responsibility to each other with no clear guidance is toying with the students, with no regard for the psychological impact the confusion is causing among them.
The government has also refused to answer calls for the immediate release of the capitation funds to facilitate the required preparations for the admission of students.
Magoha is clearly not fit to lead the ministry, his arrogance and dismissive attitude are no qualities needed in a sector that requires empathy to lead.