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Kenyan Educational Institutes To Stay Closed Until Further Notice By The Government

Job Wanyonyi
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Kenyan Educational Institutes To Stay Closed Until Further Notice By The Government

KENYA. Nairobi. Universities, secondary and primary schools and other educational institutes will remain closed in Kenya until further notice by the government. Previously, the schools were going to reopen on 19th October.

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday dashed hopes of many Kenyans who thought he would reopen schools. The government instead chose to delay further resumption of physical classes.

While addressing the nation, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said, “Schools will be reopened only after the Health Ministry comes up with proper guidelines for COVID-19. It is important to control the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the safety of the students”. He also urged the students to be patient and not bother about the reopening dates of schools.

Read also: Education Suspended In Kenya 2020

Earlier, the Ministry of Education had instructed teachers to report in schools for the preparation of reopening. Teacher’s union ” Teachers Service Commission” (TSC) had directed all the teachers to report to their respective heads.

President Kenyatta asked the Cabinet Secretary of Education, George Magoha to come up with measures that will ensure the safety of students as they resume learning.

The Kenyan ministry announced 58 new cases of COVID-19 on 28 September 2020. The total number of COVID-19 cases in Kenya is now more than 38,000.

Cabinet Secretary Of Education in Kenya, George Magoha addressing the journalists. Photo Credit: State House Portal

The parents were reluctant to send their kids to schools and colleges as most of the institutes weren’t following the COVID-19 safety guidelines properly. The Kenyan government is now making plans regarding the reopening of the schools.

Kenya Reopens Its Border For Tanzania

Job Wanyonyi
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Kenya Reopens Its Border For Tanzania

KENYA. Nairobi. The Kenyan government has reopened the Kenya/Tanzania border. The government has also given touring access to many other countries across the globe. This decision has been implemented for the first time since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Along with Tanzania, tourists coming from India, America, South Africa, Mexico and Spain have also been given access to visit Kenya. Surprisingly, all these countries have a high number of COVID-19 cases.

The people coming from these countries will not go through a 14-day quarantine period. However, the Kenyan government has advised its tourists to carry a medical certificate with them. This step is taken to ensure that the tourist coming to visit Kenya has not been infected by COVID-19.

COVID-19 and the decision to reopen the Kenya/Tanzania border

There have been many disagreements between Kenya and Tanzania on their different approaches of dealing with COVID-19. The Kenyan government has always criticized Tanzania for its way of handling the pandemic. Due to this, the trading between these two nations was stopped for a definite period.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and Tanzanian president John Magufuli in a past visit in Kenya. / Photo Credit: State house portal.

The border has been reopened now and both the countries are planning to restart their trades. However, this decision is considered a bit tricky as Tanzania has never released its statistics on the COVID-19 cases. Tanzanian President, John Magufuli, recently declared Tanzania as a COVID-19 free nation. He is even asking the citizens to stop following the guidelines provided by the WHO for the pandemic.

Read also: Education Suspended In Kenya 2020

According to a report, the government has confirmed to have more than 36,500 active COVID-19 cases. However, the survival rate in Kenya is much higher than its mortality rate.

Tanzanian Leader Aiming To Revive Tea And Timber Factories In Iringa

Job Wanyonyi
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Tanzanian Leader Aiming To Revive Tea And Timber Factories In Iringa

TANZANIA. Iringa. Tanzanian opposition leader and aspiring president, Mr Tundu Lissu, has promised to uplift the economic condition of Iringa and Tanzania.Mr. Lissu was speaking during a campaign rally in Mbarali in Mbeya region. While addressing his supporters, Lissu said that Iringa’s economy is highly dependent on the tea and timber which is produced there.

During his campaigns in Iringa, he urged his supporters to elect him as their president. He also wants the people of Iringa to get benefitted by the production of tea and timber in his reign.

Future plans of Lissu’s political party for Iringa

Lissu is a part of “Chama Cha Demokrasia” (CHADEMA) political party in Iringa. Recently during a political campaign, he said that his party will come up with laws for the welfare of the citizens. These laws will allow all citizens to possess resources from their regions in order to boost their living standard. In this way, the citizens will get direct benefits from the production of tea and timber. According to the laws, the revenue that will be collected from the tea and timber products will not be taken by the government. His administration is planning to reform the tax and tariff system. They want to make it more farmer-friendly and remove all restrictions that limit the farmers to access the global market.

Read also Tanzanian President Directs Schools to Reopen

Lissu believes that Iringa province has been left behind in the development process. However, he thinks that necessary efforts should be taken to develop Iringa as it is a leading province for providing tea and timber. The political party CHADEMA is aiming to construct a new constitution for the people in Tanzania. The party will ensure that there is an equal distribution of resources among the citizens in Tanzania.

Mr Tundu Lissu opposition leader of Tanzania. / Photo Credit: Google Images

The election campaigns in Tanzania

The elections in Tanzania will be held on Wednesday 28th October 2020. Lissu will be contesting against Dr John Pombe Magufuli, who is seeking to be re-elected for his second term as a president. Tanzanian constitution allows a president to lead for only two terms. Lissu has been a great critic of president Pombe Magufuli for his leadership since the beginning. He claims that the president has been using police officers to mistreat the opposition leaders.

Magufuli has been in the news many times due to his way of handling political issues. He was also highly criticized by several global leaders for the handling of COVID 19 cases in his country. Many nations across the globe chose to impose lockdowns in order to combat the pandemic. However, Magufuli decided to handle this major issue in a whole different way. He refused to have a lockdown in his country. Instead, of that, he just asked the entire nation to pray for the country.

Ruto Speaks Out And Claims Kenya Will Not Fight Again

Job Wanyonyi
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Ruto Speaks Out And Claims Kenya Will Not Fight Again

KENYA. Nairobi. The nation’s Deputy President Dr. William Ruto, while addressing his supporters in Kisii town, said that Kenya will not experience post-election violence again. He also drew attention to the fact that some politicians were scaring citizens by saying violence will erupt in relation to the upcoming 2022 presidential election.

Ruto stated that Kenyans are not fools who can be used by self-centered politicians for the creation of chaos. Ruto made these statements a few days after the Orange Democratic Movement leader, Raila Odinga, condemned Ruto’s allies, who are inciting people as they begin preparing for the election.

President Uhuru Kenyatta decided to set aside differences with his now deputy president Ruto, which caused violence back in 2007. They agreed to form the Jubilee party, which is the current ruling party.

Ruto with his supporters. Photo credit: Facebook

In 2012, Kenyatta asked Ruto to support him for a ten-year term and in return, he will support Ruto in the 2022 election. Things were going well until a handshake was made between President Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga. During the handshake, Odinga promised to work with the president in uniting the nation. However, Ruto´s allies were against the handshake, claiming it was a scheme to block him from ascending to power in the next election.

Read also UN Deputy Secretary-General Says Education Must Be Top Priority In Pandemic Response

At present, the Jubilee party is divided. One side is supporting Ruto while the other supports Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga. Ruto has complained about the deep state planning to block him, but he remains determined to win the election.

Some leaders are against Ruto becoming the president of Kenya and are calling him a corrupt leader. Others are accusing him of stealing public funds and grabbing land. Ruto has dismissed the claims, saying all the wealth he has is a result of his hard work. He claims nothing will stop him and if there is evidence of any crimes, they can take him to court.

MP Oscar Sudi Leads Demonstration In Eldoret Defending His Right To Speak Against The Government

Job Wanyonyi
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MP Oscar Sudi Leads Demonstration In Eldoret Defending His Right To Speak Against The Government

KENYA. Eldoret. Kapsaret member of parliament (MP) Oscar Sudi led a peaceful demonstration on Friday in Eldoret, urging Kenyans to remain calm and maintain peace.

Sudi called for a demonstration one day after president Uhuru Kenyatta condemned Sudi for speaking against Kenyatta’s mother.

Read also Not Just A Reform, But A Revolution: Thais Go Beyond Protesting The Government

The MP was lamenting mistreated by the government, especially those supporting Deputy President Dr. William Ruto following the arrest of Emurua Dikir and MP Johana Ng’eno for speaking against the president and his family.

Kenyatta’s allies have asked Sudi to apologise, but he has stood firm saying he will not ask for forgiveness because he has not wronged anyone. While addressing his supporters in Eldoret, Sudi said his opponents are attacking him to distract people from the billions in COVID-19 relief that was allegedly stolen by the government. He assured his supporters that he is going to name those who stole money meant to aid patients.

He urged the government to respect Deputy President William Ruto and his supporters.

Education Suspended In Kenya 2020

Job Wanyonyi
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0
Education Suspended In Kenya 2020

KENYA. The Ministry of Education in Kenya has changed the learning calendar for primary and secondary schools in 2020.

Education cabinet secretary, Prof. George Magoha, announced cancellation of national exams for primary and secondary schools due to the Covid-19 virus. He added that the ministry has taken these steps after a deep consultation with all stakeholders, including teachers, parents, and health experts.

Addressing journalists in Nairobi, he said this year’s national exams for primary and secondary schools will be done in 2021. The high rate of Covid-19 infections has caused suspension of all learning activities. It’s now clear that all primary and secondary school students will repeat their various classes.

It was concluded that it will be hard for primary and secondary school students to follow the precautions given by the Ministry of Health due to the high population in schools. They believe that, by January 2021, it will be safe for schools to reopen.

Colleges and universities have been directed to adhere to all precautions given by the Ministry of Health before reopening in September 2020. This will be difficult for the Ministry to control and the institutions to maintain.

Headteachers and principals have been directed to return school fees to parents who have prepaid. The government has also promised to give each student two masks and urged parents to donate masks for those who will not be able to get ones offered by the government. Learning institutions have to ensure that they have enough water and soap for washing hands, the ability to take the temperature of students before entering their classrooms, and all lectures and subordinate staff must be tested Covid-19 negative before being allowed to work.

Ugandan Government to Buy Radios and Televisions for Students

Job Wanyonyi
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Ugandan Government to Buy Radios and Televisions for Students

UGANDA, Kampala. The Ugandan Government is planning to use $1 million (U.S.) to buy 10 million radios and 140,000 television to be distributed in villages. This project will enable students to continue with their studies while at home following the closure of schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to analysts, this program has been activated with the coming general elections. This comes a few days after Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni referred to all educational institutions as dry grass before COVID-19 fire, and the only solution for education is technology.

Long distance learning. Museveni supports long-distance learning as many students will benefit and fewer teachers are needed. It’s now 3 months since schools have been closed and almost 15 million students have been affected due to the closures. According to health reports on 24 June 24 2020, Uganda has recorded 705 COVID-19 patients, 300 recoveries, and no deaths have been recorded. Countries all over the world are trying to come up with strategies to help rescue their education sector and economies.

Evariste Ndayishimiye Sworn in as Burundi President

Job Wanyonyi
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BURUNDI. Evariste Ndayishimiye was sworn as Burundi’s new president. The ceremony was attended by Burundi citizens and leaders from different nations. While taking the oath of office, he promised to protect the constitution, respect the citizens, and protect the borders of their nation. The ceremony was held at Ingoma stadium Gitega district, even though the nation is affected by the outbreak of Coronavirus. Before the oath, bishops asked him to restore the good relationship they had with neighboring countries.

Some guests and many of the citizens were seen not wearing masks to protect them from the spread of the Coronavirus. Water and soap were provided by the Red Cross for people to wash hands before entering the stadium. Many citizens attended the function to witness the swearing-in ceremony of Evariste Ndayishimiye after the death of their former president Pierre Nkurunziza, who died of a heart attack. President Evariste was declared the winner in the elections held last May 20th, 2020. He was supposed to be sworn in next august as Nkurunziza retired, but the court directed him to be sworn in right after the death of former president Nkurunziza.

President Evariste Ndayishimiye has a heavy task ahead of him to unite the nation after it split with the former leadership. There is a high rate of tribalism in Burundi between the Watuhu tribe and the Watutsi tribe. There is a division between the government and the opposition.

People are waiting to see if he will be able to unite the nation which was a hard task for the former president who reigned for 15 years.

Tanzanian President Directs Schools to Reopen

Job Wanyonyi
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0
Tanzanian President Directs Schools to Reopen

TANZANIA. Dar es Salaam – President Dr. John Pombe Magufuli declared that all schools closed due to Covid-19 will reopen on 29 June. While addressing the parliament on 18 June, President Magufuli said his government and people have worked together in the fight against the Coronavirus and now the virus has been defeated. However, the president encouraged people to continue observing health precautions as directed by the World Health Organization (WHO). He congratulated the members of parliament for their courage to keep working, despite the pandemic.

On 17 March, Tanzanian Education Minister Mr. Kassim Majaliwa, initiated the closures of all schools and universities as a way of preventing the spread of the virus.

President Magufuli is the only president in East Africa who refused to impose lockdown or close places of worship. In his argument, a place of worship is where people run to find solutions to their problems. Imposing lockdown also meant killing the country’s economy, and he said he wasn´t ready to see the economy of Tanzania sink. He made that bold move while other leaders are still restricting their citizens. By comparison, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta declined to reopen schools in June, claiming the rate of infection is still too high and asked the Ministry of Education to come up with a new calendar so schools may reopen in September. Many students have been adversely affected by school closures, especially those who were preparing for exams.

Covid-19 Affects Circumcision in Kenya

Job Wanyonyi
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Covid-19 Affects Circumcision in Kenya

KENYA. Kenya is a country made up of 44 tribes. Each tribe has its own culture. The Luhya community (Bukusu sub-tribe) circumcises their sons after every two years from age 12.

Pandemic Impacts Rite of Passage. Many business and institutions have been closed down due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The Government of Kenya banned all gatherings, affecting the Bukusu Circumcision Ceremony which was to be held from August to December 2020.

This Ceremony brings all relatives and friends together as they witness the young man entering adulthood. Mr. Barasa, the spokesperson of the Bukusu community said on 12 June 2020, the ceremony has been postponed until 2021 due to this pandemic. He added that their traditions allow them to postpone the ceremony if the situation they are in risks the lives of the community.

An Important Ceremony Brings the Whole Community Together. A boy who believes in himself and wants to be circumcised makes the first decision that he is ready, and the elders are called to start the preparations of the ceremony. After the approval of the elders, the boy seeks his uncle’s advice about being an adult. In return the boy is given a cow or suitable gift by the uncle as a sign of appreciation to his parents.

On returning home, the homestead will be filled with people who have come to celebrate the whole night. The boy is encouraged to be strong for the task ahead. People will sing and dance the all night as they wait for the final circumcision in the morning. In the morning the boy is taken to the river, washed and smeared with mud, and taken home to face the knife. After the cut, all the attendees will rejoice and gifts are given to the circumcised boy. From then on he is counted as an adult.

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