Buy masks for children when schools reopen — CS Magoha tells parents

Education CS Prof George Magoha on Sunday told parents to prepare themselves ahead of the proposed reopening of schools in September saying all students will require masks.

While inspecting measures put in place by schools in Kakamega County before learning resumes, the CS said the government intends to give each child two masks but those who can afford to buy should go ahead and do so.

"We want to get direction from the World Health Organization because every child back in school must wear a mask.

"The government is thinking of producing two masks which are washable per child but those of you who can afford to buy more masks for your children or grandchildren will do if you love them, don't start making noise when there are not there," he said.

Magoha also emphasized the need for clean water in schools and urged school heads to address the issue of overcrowding in classes.

“I’m currently visiting schools to inspect the preparedness in accepting learners when a decision is made to reopen the institutions and I’m very impressed with the progress, including provision of water and an arrangement to avoid overcrowding in classes,” he said.

Adding: ““Leaders in Teso North and Teso South, including the MPs should emulate what their counterparts are doing in other regions to ensure our learners are safe while at school. They need to provide water tanks to ensure the institutions have adequate supply of water for learners to wash their hands.”

National examinations will be administered, Magoha said consultations would be conducted before a decision is made on the national examinations calendar.

There’s the possibility that Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education and Kenya Certificate of Primary Education exams may not be administered between October and November, as has been the norm.