No KCPE, KCSE in 2020

Education CS Prof George Magoha on Tuesday stated that there will be no national examinations in 2020.

While speaking at the KICD headquarters, the CS noted that the current circumstances cannot allow schools to be reopened since the number of Coronavirus infections are still on the rise.

He noted that the examinations will be administered in 2021 and the date will be communicated later.

"Based on this disturbing trend of COVID-19 cases rising steadily, Education stakeholders have shelved the initial proposal to reopen schools in September for Class 8 and Form 4 learners.

"In consultation with Ministry of Health we have agreed schools to reopen when daily COVID-19 cases reduce consistently for 14 days. Social and physical distancing is the most critical factor in ensuring safety of learners," said the CS.

Further, all learners in Grade 1 to 4, Standard 5 to 7 and Form 1, 2 and 3 will remain in the same classes in 2021.

Teachers Service Commission (TSC) CEO Nancy Macharia, Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) Secretary-General Akello Misori and his KNUT counterpart Wilson Sossion announced that they fully supported Magoha in protecting learners and parents. 

"We were part and parcel of the entire process of the committee set up to come with regulations and it is imperative to prepare adequately to open.

We agree and concur with all Magoha has stated. The burden to manage our health system will be enormous. It would be wrong to open soon," Misori stated.

"We urge and call all parents to ensure that our children are safe until when they resume learning. Magoha's decisions are in the best interest of the country and stakeholders, parents and students," Sossion added.

On Monday, President Uhuru Kenyatta tasked the Ministry of Health with giving directions on reopening of schools after he announced that the cessation of movement had lapsed.