University and Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) institutions may resume studies earlier than primary and secondary schools. Education Secretary Professor Magoha categorically stated that studies resumption in both primary schools and secondary learning institutions are hindered by lack of enough infrastructure and congestions.
While meeting TVET principals from Western in Kisumu on Friday, CS Magoha said TVET colleges and universities have enough infrastructure for social distancing adding that TVET colleges can easily adjust its normal programmes
Education CS expressed his confidence in the TVET Principal Secretary Julius Juan who assured the Ministry of Education that TVET institutions are capable of making their face masks.
He expressed his regrets in the increasing number of COVID-19 victims but assured Kenyans that the government will work as if schools were to be opened on September 1 adding that reopening of schools will be impossible to if cases will still be high.
Professor Magoha who's a physician by profession said he will rely on the Health ministry's advice on reopening of the institutions emphasizing that the reopening of studies will only happen after the situation is stabilised and Covid-19 cases drop down for 14 days continuously adding that no nation in the universe has tried to reopen schools when the Covid-19 cases are still rising.
Parents and other education stakeholders have been questioning the preparedness of learning institutions on reopening schools in September after CS Magoha announced that each classroom will accommodate between 15-20 learners. He said learning institutions with infrastructural challenges will erect tents to accommodate the learners. The idea was protested by school heads on Saturday who said it's not practical.
Education CS admitted challenges in reopening boarding facilities especially when it comes to bed capacity. Dr Juan announced that the Eldoret Polytechnic had already donated about 240 medical beds to Uasin Gishu County. Kisumu Polytechnic is also producing solar-powered handwashing machines which will help curb the spread of the Coronavirus.
Education CS said that the government is exploring various ways including learning facilities for the learning institutions as he cited social distance as the biggest challenge but noting that social distance should not stop the country from preparing to reopen in September.
The CS, however, admitted that the government can't double or triple learning facilities in schools since the available facilities has taken years to build adding that the government may readmit learners in shifts. Magoha said overhauling the school calendar is impossible due to the East African Community protocols.
Kenya National Union Teachers had called on the Ministry of Education to scrap the delocalisation policy to allow teachers operate in their home counties however Education CS Prof Magoha dismissed the calls terming it petty politics which doesn't deserve his attention.
Universities and Technical and Vocational Education Training institutions may resume studies earlier than primary and secondary schools. CS says Schools Won't Reopen If Covid-19 Cases Will Be High
