By Getrude Matayo
Speaking in Kitale, Trans-Nzoia County, Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha has accused the World Health Organization (WHO) of doublespeak regarding reopening of schools amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
On Friday 21st August, the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF in a statement said that Keeping students at home in a bid to protect them from Covid-19 infections is harming them in other ways
CS George Magoha dismissed calls for reopening of schools saying it is not safe to do at the moment, he said this while assessing the level of preparedness of a local technician institution to reopen.
According to WHO, the impact of an extended education disruption is significant and stretches beyond learning institutions into homes.
The tough-talking Magoha rubbished calls by Who and UNICEF for reopening of the learning institutions in Africa saying the lives of learners are more important.
“Do you think it is our president and his government who have the interest of our children at heart or it is WHO and UNICEF? The same WHO is double-Speaking, I am Magoha son of Magoha and you can take it to the bank” CS Magoha said.
CS Magoha added “They have given us protocols which we must do but they think because we are Africans it’s ok, we can ignore. Is someone trying to use us as guinea pigs or what? I think as far as am concerned as a government we love our children”.
In Eastern and Southern Africa, UNICEF has noted increased violence against children with reduced nutrition rates as more than 10 million are missing school meals.
“Some of the consequences of extended closure including poor nutrition, stress increased exposure to violence and exploitation, childhood pregnancies and overall challenges in the mental development of children due to reduced interaction” WHO said