ODM party leader Raila Odinga on Tuesday opined on the
re-opening of schools saying the government should not rush.
Speaking during an interview on a local radio station,
Odinga said exams should not be prioritised over the well-being of candidates.
“I don't support that schools should be reopened just
because of exams, between exams and life what is more important?
"Schools can be opened after one year and the current
classes be rewound, what's the rush for? Where are they planning to take those
candidates?" asked Odinga.
Schools have been shut for over two months in a bid to curb
the spread of Coronavirus and in recent days, various stakeholders have been debating on whether learning should resume.
In their submission to the taskforce appointed to assess the
education situation, the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers
(KUPPET) proposed the reopening of schools by mid-June.
KUPPET suggested that only candidates and final year
university students should be allowed back into learning institutions.
According to KUPPET Chairman Omboko Milemba, social
distancing can be achieved if the students are spread out to the rest of the
classes in schools.
The body also proposed provision of water in schools and
minimal interactions between students and service providers.
Further, it says that games should be prohibited for now and
both teaching staff and students to be provided with face masks.
However, the Kenya Primary Schools Head Teachers Association
(KEPSHA) is of the opinion that schools should remain closed until September
and exams should be pushed to 2021.
Education CS Prof George Magoha said it is difficult to
settle on a date when schools will be opened due to the unpredictable nature of
the Coronavirus.
He said such a decision can only be made after extensive consultations with officials from the Ministry of Health.