Schools Reopening: CS George Magoha Issues Directive on Return of All Students [VIDEO]

Education CS George Magoha at the Kisumu showground on Friday, October 23.
Education CS George Magoha at the Kisumu showground on Friday, October 23.
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Education CS George Magoha, on Sunday, October 25, issued a directive regarding school reopening for the rest of students.

Speaking while inspecting the distribution of government-funded desks at Dr Muthiora Primary School in Dagoretti, Nairobi, the CS disclosed that the government had shelved plans to re-admit the students.

He further explained that the decision was arrived at after concerns were fraised over rising daily Covid-19 cases in the course of the past week.

"Those classes that were not opened before, should remain closed until the government advises otherwise.

"I hope that the government has made itself very clear on this one. If you do not abide, there shall be consequences," stated Magoha.

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Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha assesses Grade 3 learning at Joy Town Special School in Thika in September 2019
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The CS warned players in the educational sector, including both private and public schools, that there would be consequences for those who go against the government directive on the reopening of schools. 

Magoha's directive affirms similar directives issued by the Kenya Association of International Schools (KAIS) which had already postponed mass reopening for their students.

The initial plan for the ministry was to have Grade Four, Standard Eight and Form Four students resume school ahead of all the other classes, but it seems the pilot phase has not presented desirable results.

Roughly a week after the students resumed class, several schools recorded positive Covid-19 cases from both students and teachers raising fears that the learning institutions might be closed once again.

The Star of the Sea High School and Tononoka High School in Mombasa County were shut down on Monday, October 19, after teachers in the two schools tested positive for Covid-19.

An estimated 15 teachers from both schools allegedly tested positive for the virus.

Four of the teachers were from Star of the Sea High School among them, a senior teacher and three of her colleagues, while 11 came from Tononoka High school.

All other students may be forced to sit at home till mid-November or January 2021. The ministry is also contemplating directing schools to revert to virtual learning. 

Desks

During his inspection in Dagorreti on Sunday, Magoha also raised concerns over substandard desks being supplied to school despite the government spending millions in the project.

Magoha directed officers from his ministry and those from the Interior Ministry to work in tandem to ensure all desks meet quality standards.

"What we have seen here means that all officers both in my ministry and that of my brother Matiang'i (Fred, Interior CS) must ensure that all the desks are made and inspected before they are delivered," he stated.

Below is the video of Magoha issuing the directive:

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