Schools to remain open, says Magoha

Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha.

Public schools will remain open until after four weeks when first term ends.

“Please note that learners should not be sent home for any other reason expect for extreme medical emergencies,” said Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha.

All schools will close by April 10, according to this year’s school calendar.

However, some private universities advised their students to be on the lookout for possible closure if the virus transmission rate goes up.

Prof Magoha yesterday issued fresh guidelines for school managers and parents during the learning period after Kenya recorded the first coronavirus case.

In his circular to the Teachers Service Commission and Ministry of Education regional managers, the CS instructed that school heads enforce total ban on handshakes, and propose innovative ways of greetings.

Work tomorrow

The circular released on March 13, Magoha said during school time, learners may clap their hands to acknowledge greetings.

“Ensure learners do not engage in any physical contact such as handshaking or hugging as a form of greeting,” Magoha said.

He said in addition to clapping, learners may hold their chests, nod their heads or bow. In the latest communication to schools, Magoha said learning will go on as normal with about four weeks to closure.

This means all learners and teaching staff will report to work tomorrow even as questions linger over what will constitute total ban of public gathering.

Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe on Friday announced that the government had suspended all public gatherings, meetings and events.

Some school heads argued that schools are already crowded places and hoped the sessions would be suspended.

But in the new circular, Magoha said the government continues to strengthen all measures to ensure no further transmission of the disease. “The Ministry of Education will continue to provide regular updates,” he said.

Kenya National Union of Teachers Secretary General Wilson Sossion yesterday said if schools remain open, the Ministry of Health should ensure availability of sanitisers and appropriate detergents in all learning institutions. “Learners should be encouraged to be champions of hygiene in their homes to help prevention at home,” he said.