UPDATE Tuesday August 25: Education CS George Magoha claimed that the ministry was being pressured to re-open schools before the Covid-19 flattens
He disclosed that cartels had infiltrated the ministry and were working with private schools owners to push their agenda.
The Ministry of Health, however, refuted claims that the Covid-19 curve was flattening noting that the number of tests had significantly reduced.
Education CS George Magoha, on Tuesday, August 25, hinted that schools might re-open earlier than scheduled.
Citizen TV was the first to report that schools may reopen earlier than the set January 2021 re-opening date.
Speaking during a tour of Migori County, Magoha attributed the decision to the declining cases of Covid-19 recorded across the country over the past week.
The broadcaster further indicated that the ministry was now exploring ways to make schools safer for re-opening.
“You’re aware the virus is starting to look like it is going to stagnate…we’re saying, should the situation change, we shall be ready and willing to look at the scenario once again in the interest of our children," stated the CS.
He added that the government is willing to open schools but must be sure that the children will be safe once learning resumes.
"As far as the government is concerned, ours is to open the learning institutions like yesterday…the bottom-line is our children should be reasonably safe when they return.
"We’re doing everything possible including ensuring that water sources and sanitizers are available… we’re even in the process of providing masks where possible," he added.
This comes just a day after the CS told off the World Health Organisation after they advised African countries to reopen schools early for the safety of children.
WHO had argued that the negative effects of the extended education disruption were significant as poor nutrition, stress, increased exposure to violence and exploitation, childhood pregnancies had been witnessed across the continent.
The global health body stated that schools paved way for success for many Africans as well as provided a safe haven for children in challenging situations.
In a press briefing on Wednesday, August 19, the Ministry of Health however ruled out claims that the Covid-19 curve was flattening explaining that the reduced cases were as a result of reduced testing samples.
"We must be very cautious when saying that our curve is flattening. Let us take it with a pinch of salt and let us not believe that our curve is flattening.
"The tests are not as many as we were testing a few weeks ago," explained director public health, Dr. Francis Kuria, at the time.
On Monday, August 24, Health CAS Rashid Aman explained that the country may resume recording high numbers of new infections after increased testing resumes.
