13 Principals Have Died Since The Reopening Of Schools

According to the association of secondary school headteachers in Kenya, at least 13 principals have died as a result of Covid-19 since the phased reopening of schools.

The association is now worried about their members dying en masse as they are more in contact with the students than their parents. It is not clear whether some of the teachers got the virus from the students.

The Ministry of Education ordered a phased reopening of schools with Grade 4, Standard 8, and Form 4 learners allowed back to school in preparation for national examinations.

Since the reopening of schools, various cases of both students and teachers getting infected have been on the rise. So far, an 18-year-old female student from a school in Mumias has been confirmed dead as a result of Covid-19.

Professor George Magoha, the cabinet secretary for Education has insisted that the learners are safer in schools than with their parents. With teachers dying and with kids contracting the disease, the situation seems to be getting out of hand.

The Ministry of Education has already announced that all schools will reopen on January 4, 2021, but is the government ready for full reopening of schools? Are our kids going to be safe?

Teachers Service Commission CEO Nancy Macharia has directed teachers aged 58 years and above to stay at home as requested by President Uhuru Kenyatta. The President called on all state officials above 58 years to work remotely to protect them against Covid-19.

Cases of Covid-19 in Kenya have been rising with the Ministry of Health calling on Kenyans to be more vigilant. Since the beginning of this month, more than 289 Kenyans have died due to Covid-19 with more than 15,000 new infections.

How is the Ministry of Education ensuring that the Covid-19 protocols are being followed in schools? Are kids in schools putting on masks as directed?

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