By Getrude Matayo
A major battle is looming between the parents of school-going children and the government of Kenya over delayed re-opening of schools.
Parents of school-going children have written to Education CS George Magoha, Healthy Ministry, and Attorney General Paul Kihara demanding the re-opening of schools by September failure to which they will move to court.
In a letter written to Cabinet Secretary George Magoha, the parents say there is no legal or scientific justification for the extended closure of schools.
They argue countries like Sweden, UK, Japan, Germany, Italy, Ivory Coast, Tanzania, DRC, and most states in the USA have reopened their learning institutions for in-person schooling, despite the covid-19 pandemic.
In a letter that was written by Layer Harrison Kinyanjui on behalf of parents, the decision by the government to open restaurants and places of worship were in contradiction to the closure of schools.
“Our instructions are demand from you that you forthwith declare and not later than August 18th, 2020 the immediate resumption of open schools and learning institutions in Kenya, which in any event should be open not later than September 1st, 2020”, Written by Lawyer Harrison Kinyanjui on behalf of parents
In July, Prof Magoha announced all basic learning institutions will re-open in January next year, as that is when the virus curve is expected to have flattened.
The parent’s letter came barely days after the Teacher Service Commission asked school Headteachers to organize for the teaching of learners within their communities.
Secondary School Association National Chairman, Kahi Indimuli said the program may entice parents to take their children to nearby schools to cut on transport cost and boarding.
Education CS Magoha said the earliest schools can reopen would be in January 2021 after he canceled the 2020 academic year.