Schools May Reopen Earlier Than January 2021- George Magoha

By Getrude Matayo

Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha says that Schools may reopen earlier than January 2021.

Speaking on Tuesday, CS Magoha said that the government is ready and willing to change school reopening dates anytime depending on the behavior of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Due to the declining cases of covid-19 as reported in the country for the past week, CS George Magoha has now hinted that school reopening dates might just be pushed closer than initially projected.

“You are aware the virus is starting to look like it is going to stagnate, we are saying the situation change, we shall be ready and willing to look at the scenario once again in the interest of our children,” CS Magoha said

Earlier this month, CS George Magoha had said the decision to allow learners back to school is largely dependent on the Covid-19 curve in the country.

Speaking in Migori County where he toured institutions to assess their preparedness, Education CS Magoha said if the trend continues and the curve flattens, then his ministry will take another look at the academic calendar.

“As far as the government is concerned, ours is to open the learning institutions like yesterday, the bottom line is our children should be reasonably safe when they return. We are doing everything possible including ensuring that water sources and sanitizers are available. We are even in the process of providing masks where it’s possible” Magoha said

Earlier, speaking before MPs, Prof Magoha pointed out inadequate funds that could have helped to support the expansion of infrastructure in schools.

Magoha however insisted that the schools will be reopened once the ministry is sure children will be safe in the institution upon resumption.

According to the Ministry of Health, over the past week, Kenya has been recording low numbers of Covid-19 which, according to Dr. Patrick Amoth, it is still too early to declare that the country had flattened the curve.