Magoha Issues New Directive Ahead of January 2021 Reopening

An image of Magoha
Ministry of Education Cabinet Secretary Professor George Magoha addresses education stakeholders at a 2019 meeting
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Education Cabinet Secretary Professor George Magoha on Thursday, August 6, announced that schools being used as quarantine facilities will be evacuated a month to reopening.

The move will allow schools ample time to fumigate and ensure facilities are safe for learners ahead of the scheduled reopening in January 2021.

A total of 431 institutions are currently being used as quarantine facilities across the country

Quarantined individuals at the Kenya High School sleeping close to each other.
Quarantined individuals at the Kenya High School sleeping close to each other.
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A number of parents had expressed concerns about the safety of the schools being used as quarantine facilities after a number tested positive from the centres.

Magoha on Monday, June 29, outlined plans to disinfect schools after being used as quarantine centres following consultations with Ministry of Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe and President Uhuru Kenyatta.

"We have since agreed that, if in principle we are moving towards September, we shall disengage as those places.

"We shall make sure that those institutions are thoroughly fumigated and tested the way we do in medical practice which means we shall dust certain areas and see whether there is anything else, so that is the least of my worries," he explained

During his state address on Monday, July 27, President Uhuru Kenyatta announced plans to temporarily convert sports stadia, education institutions, and other government facilities Covid-19 isolation centres.

"Any government institutions, including all sporting facilities, stadiums, education institutions and other government facilities upon designation by the Cabinet Secretary for Health as a public health facility, shall be availed to the Ministry of Health for isolation and quarantine purposes.

"If and when necessary these measures will be made even more stringent. We will do this without hesitation," stated Uhuru.

Schools and outdoor sporting activities were put on hold back in March after the country announced its first Covid-19 case.

Students during a lesson at Kibra Primary School.
Students during a lesson at Kibra Primary School. Dr Stella Bosire studied at the school before she was expelled in Class Five.
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