CS George Magoha Faces Opposition On School Reopening

Resumption of learning for Grade Four students has been defied by several private schools on the new directive issued by Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha.

According to CS George Magoha, Grade Four students were directed to report back to school on Monday, July 26. However, the private schools have told the students to report back to school on Wednesday, May 12.

“After consultations, we have seen it fit for them to report back to school on May 12 to ensure we keep them engaged with normal learning,” read a message sent to parents from Garden Estate Academy in Nairobi.

Last month, the Ministry of Education directed the students to stay at home to allow other grades to complete their third term as well as maintain the social distance policy issued by the Ministry of Health.

Grade Four, along with Grade eight and Form four candidates, completed their syllabus last term during the first phase of reopening.

Parents faulted the private schools for the move citing that they were not consulted. They noted that the schools ought to follow the clear guidelines stipulated by the education ministry.

The news comes as the private school owners had raised concerns over the new secondary school placement system unveiled by the Ministry of Education. They cited that the new formula showed favoritism towards public school students.

Ministry of Health, Mutahi Kagwe, and Education CS George Magoha have issued conditions that would compel them to postpone the reopening of schools scheduled for Monday, May 10.

According to an interview that was held on a national TV on Monday, April 26, Cs Mutahi Kagwe stated that they were analyzing the Covid-19 positivity rate and the trajectory of daily recorded cases. He added that they are tracking the double mutant variant in India.

They would make an informed decision on whether to reopen schools or not after they are assured of the safety of parents and students. Kagwe acknowledged that some students also reside in the diseased zone.