Fact check: No further extension, schools to open August 18 - CS Magoha

Education CS Prof George Magoha. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Learners across the country are expected to report back to school from Thursday, August 18, 2022, for the second half of term two.

The learners had been away for two weeks during the August 9 election.

The Cabinet Secretary for Education Prof George Magoha said that the two weeks break has eaten into the school calendar and further delay will affect the learners.

''Having consulted with the cabinet secretary for interior, there is prevailing peace and no point for alarm. It is calm and people have to go back to work,'' Magoha said.

Speaking at Ofafa Jericho in Nairobi after officially launching the Competence Based Curriculum classes, the CS noted that there is a lot to be covered in the remaining time.

Magoha said that delaying the opening will jeopardize schools' preparation for examinations.

''We have a lot to be covered within the remaining period. Holding learners back home for an extra day will really cost schools in preparing candidates for the coming examinations. Children will be back in school by tomorrow,'' Magoha added.

The CS noted that in case of an election re-run, the IEBC should find alternatives in tertiary institutions.

Magoha said that the ministry would prefer to retain learners in boarding schools if there will be an election in the near future than send them home because voting is a day's activity.

''If there's going to be an election in the near future, the most important thing we shall consider is our children's safety; for example, children in boarding schools will not be sent home, they can be told to play and remain in hostels,'' Magoha stated.

The CS noted that the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) opened a portal from August 15-30 for Grade 6 learners to select Junior High schools in readiness for placement.

Students had started preparations for examinations, which is the most important period for candidates.

KESSHA Chairman Indimuli Kahi. [Kelvin Karani, Standard]

Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) Chairman Kahi Indimuli said that the prolonged closure of schools would affect students.

Indimuli had said that CS Magoha needs to convene a crisis to address the concerns raised by headteachers.

"If we delay further, the CS may need to call a meeting to discuss the way forward. We will see if we will be able to sit exams in December," said Indimuli.