Give pregnant girls a chance, says Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi

By AUGUSTINE ODUOR

KENYA:  Pregnant girls should be allowed back in school after safe delivery, Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi has said.

He said public schools must be child-friendly to foster learning.

The CS was speaking yesterday on education reforms.

He, however, said that extra tuition stands banned and warned teachers who still receive cash from parents.

“Children need time to rest at home and also to grow in the home set-up. It is still illegal for any teacher to practise holiday teaching or any other activity against the law,” he said.

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He said plans were under way to ensure children from nomadic communities are kept in schools.

A Mount Kenya University (MKU) don also noted that as managers of the school, the head teacher must ensure that the school environment is safe, healthy and protective.

“The head teacher should involve teachers, learners, parents and the larger community to achieve child-friendly schools,” said Prof Chege Mungai, the deputy vice-chancellor, academic affairs, at MKU.

He was speaking on partnership and collaboration for enhanced friendly schools.

Prof Kaimenyi asked the heads to ensure that children are listened to before any form of punishment is meted out on them.  He said the government would continue to issue free sanitary towels to all needy girls in schools to increase their attendance.