CS Magoha Unsure of January 2021 Schools Reopening

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Education CS George Magoha addresses legislators in Parliament February 2020
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Education CS George Magoha asked parents and stakeholders to brace themselves for changes in the dates for schools reopening, as he detailed that he was unsure whether students would resume studies in January 2021.

Magoha spoke with the National Assembly Education Committee in a virtual meeting on Thursday, August 6.

The CS declined to ascertain the resumption of studies in January, detailing that Kenya would only allow her students to go back in class when the Coronavirus (Covid-19) curve flattens for 14 consecutive days.

"Decisions regarding reopening of learning institutions may change as informed by prevailing circumstances and increased knowledge of Covid-19. If we open in January and there is a surge, we will step down and observe the trends. People have tried to open, like South Africa, and have shut again," Magoha warned. 

File image of KCSE students sitting an exam
File image of KCSE students sitting an exam
File

He further ruled out offering KCSE & KCPE to candidates, arguing that it was unsafe to ask teachers and students to return to schools in September, with Covid-19 cases set to spike in October 2020.

The MPs were pushing Magoha to set exams based on the syllabus covered, a perspective the CS differed with. He argued that the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) set exams based on syllabus covered in eight years and four years in primary and secondary schools respectively.

He, however, encouraged schools to continue preparing for January 2021 resumption based on the guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health. 

"The authority to reopen for learning and research will be informed by MoH and my ministry based on dynamics of preparedness," he added.

The Ministry of Education also released funds to run public schools for second and third terms and to also pay the Board of Management teachers and subordinate staff.

Treasury deposited Ksh 3,725 per student. Magoha also received funds stipulated for the upgrade of schools. 

The money will be used to build additional classrooms for secondary schools and hire more teachers. 

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Education CS George Magoha in a tour on Murang’a County on Wednesday, July 15, 2020
File