Education Cabinet Secretary, George Magoha claims he doesn’t know whether schools will open in November 2020 or not. Professor Magoha criticized those who keep complaining that the government has failed to build more infrastructure in schools on time saying that it has taken many years to build the current infrastructure and the government was doing everything possible to ensure that schools are opened at the right time when all preparations are done.
“I have told you in plain English that social distancing is going to be a challenge. I have told you many times.” Said Magoha. He dismissed claims by some media houses that schools will reopen in November adding that he does not know whether schools will reopen in November or not. Magoha stated that he will sanction the experts to go and work on the timetable which he does not know. He notified Kenyans that he was the spokesperson in this matter.
Magoha noted that he will meet with the stakeholders to digest the matter on reopening of schools and if deemed appropriate then he will take it to another level with the permission of his excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta.
He insisted that even if he doesn't know when schools will reopen, it is still possible to reopen earlier or even later depending on how the curve is flattening. He, however, noted that of late the curve has been flattening which indeed is a good sign.
Some stakeholders had suggested that form four students and class eight pupils be allowed to resume to enable them to prepare for their national examinations however the Ministry of Education rejected the proposal noting that the approach would probably create "inequalities."
