Education CS Prof George Magoha on Tuesday stated that due to the
increasing number of Covid-19 infections in the country, schools will not be
reopened in September as was earlier announced.
While speaking at the KICD offices in Nairobi, Magoha outlined a number
of conditions that must be met before schools are reopened.
- Reducing physical contact in
learning institutions by having fewer learners will have a great impact in
reducing COVID-19 cases and fatalities associated with reopening of learning
institutions.
- Schools should only reopen when
the daily percentage of confirmed positive COVID-19 cases have reduced
consistently for at least 14 days (which is evidence that the country has
passed the peak).
- Social/Physical distancing is the
most critical factor in ensuring safety and health of learners for reopening of
learning institutions.
- Handwashing with soap and/or use
of sanitisers, wearing of face masks and monitoring body temperature will be the
minimum requirements for the health and safety of learners.
Further, Magoha stated that it is
also impossible to allow candidates back in school because that may mean there
will be two Form One class cohorts in 2021 and equity challenges will arise if
only two classes reopen and transition.
“The number of teachers required
will increase because secondary schools will have a challenge of having enough
teachers, especially for optional subjects, to meet the demand of split
classes.
“In Form One, the compulsory
subjects are 11, which will necessitate employment of more teachers to handle
the Form One double intake cohorts,” said Magoha.
He also expressed concern
regarding intercounty movement especially for those in boarding schools since
there will be students travelling from Nairobi, Mombasa and other counties with
high rates of infection.
“Since the infection curve is
rising as we approach September, many parents have expressed strong
reservations regarding sending their children to school.
“The 2020 school calendar year
will be considered lost due to Covid-19 restrictions,” he said.