What It Will Take For Kenyan Schools To Reopen In November

By Nsunjo Erica

Professor George Magoha, the Cabinet Secretary for Education in Kenya has been one of the most inconsistent, and clueless CS in as far as the opening of schools is concerned.

The CS has been consistent with inconsistency, giving contradictory sentiments on when the schools should open, leaving both parents and learners confused and unable to know who to rely on in terms of information.

In his latest statement, the good old cs said that schools are likely to reopen in November, not forgetting that that will be a few weeks to December celebrations.

According to CS George Magoha, only three technical and vocational colleges were ready for reopening in line with the Covid-19 protocols. These include Rift Valley Institute, Eldoret, and the Nyeri Polytechnic.

Anyway, what will it take for schools to reopen?

All Institutions must ensure adequate running water and enough handwashing and sanitizing points within the premises and ensure that no one enters any facility without having washed hands and sanitized.

The schools must instruct someone/ some people to ensure social distancing is observed in the dining halls and if that is not possible, the table arrangement must be changed to ensure enough distance.

Schools must make sure class teachers meet all learners who are below nine years at the institution’s gate at the start of the day and escort them to the exit at pick-up times to limit the entry of non-school members in the institutions.

Assemblies, inter-institution competitions like games, drama, music, sports, and other events that create crowded conditions will be suspended.

Schools will only be allowed to hold class assemblies to pray, pass health messages, and make announcements.

School heads are further required to renovate washrooms, toilets, and bathrooms and ensure they ease congestion.

Each school will establish a Covid-19 response committee of not more than five members, including one learner and trainee, and a member of the non-teaching staff.

READ:  Schools May Reopen Earlier Than January 2021- George Magoha