No reopening of schools in Kenya next September 1.
Despite President Kenyatta's predisposition to the possibility of gradually reopening some institutions and operations related to education, the Minister of Education George Magoha, through an official statement, has suspended the opening until the end of 2020, announcing that all "basic" learning institutions will resume regular lessons from January 2021. As a result, the 2020 primary and secondary school examinations have been cancelled.
"Based on the increasing trend of Covid-19 cases in the country - explained Mugoha presenting the document - we have decided to set aside school lessons for now. We know that the country will be seriously affected, since all students will lose the year".
One of the fundamental points to be organized will concern respect for social distances. In consultation with the Ministry of Health, stakeholders have agreed that reducing the number of people attending classes may adversely affect learning.
"Schools will only reopen if cases are constantly reduced and social and physical distance is the most critical factor in ensuring the safety of students," the Minister added, "hand washing and the use of masks and temperature monitoring will also be crucial.
Magoha made it clear that the decision means that there will be no KCPE and KCSE exams in 2020. The examinations will have to be taken in 2021 at the latest. This year's school calendar will be considered lost due to Covid-19. The decision will affect all children, including those who are offered an international curriculum.
Only colleges will be able to reopen in September, but in strict compliance with the protocol for the safety and containment of the virus.
Trade unions also sided with Magoha, arguing that the unilateral direction was to safeguard the health of children and parents.
Among the measures included in the protocol, teachers were asked to report to their schools two weeks before the reopening date. The maximum number of students in a class will be between 15 and 20, with each student wearing two masks. All schools will also be equipped with thermal "guns" to help determine the temperature of all people, students, visitors and faculty who wish to enter the school.