Average turnout marks schools reopening countrywide

An average turnout of students marked the reopening of schools countrywide on Monday.

Many schools reported that at least more than half of Class Eight and Grade Four learners resumed their physical learning as directed by the Ministry of Education.

A spot check by People Daily correspondents revealed that while more than half of learners in some schools showed up to continue with their education, in other schools the turnout was low.

This was the case in Rift Valley, Nyanza and Central counties.

Earlier on Monday, Education Cabinet Secretary (CS), Prof George Magoha, directed that no child should be left behind as the gradual opening of schools commenced.

CS Magoha made the remarks as he urged parents to start preparing all children to resume learning in one or two week’s time and warned schools against sending learners back home over school fees.

“We have started phased reopening with three classes and we should be bold enough to observe them for one or two weeks before we decide as to whether we can risk having larger numbers,” said Prof. Magoha when he monitored re-opening at Olympic Primary in Kibra.

He also urged principals and headteachers to compile a list of learners with pre-existing conditions for instance asthmatic so that necessary attention can be given to them in line with the health protocols.

“Schools must ensure mandatory use of face masks and monitoring of body temperature for learners, staff and all other persons accessing the schools, hand-washing and observance of high levels of hygiene,” said the CS.

Each learner will be expected to have at least two reusable facemasks.

Although physical distancing will remain a challenge, Magoha said it will not be a bottleneck to the resolve to open schools.