Why teachers say January is best time to open schools

The suspension of the academic year was timely given the prevailing Covid-19 situation. It’s was not possible to maintain social distance, provide protective gear and enforce physical restrictions, test teachers and pupils once the communal transmission of the virus was reported.

While some are pushing for September reopening, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Kenya is ill-prepared to implement international safety protocols that require each classroom to accommodate a maximum of 15 to 20 pupils, social distancing of a 1.5 meters, clean reliable water supply, daily provisions of PPEs for learners and teachers, psycho-social support, capacity building and information sharing to teachers, learners and parents.