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.
