Magoha calls on counties to support schools

Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha yesterday urged county governments to help schools build more classes to ease congestion when learning resumes in two weeks.

Education Cabinet Secretary, Prof George Magoha said schools will require support to ensure learners don’t contract Covid-19 disease.

We are urging county governments to offer necessary interventions when schools open,” said Magoha.

The CS made the remarks in a speech read on his behalf by Western Regional Director Stephen Barongo during the launch of Lake Region Economic Block (LREB) Adopt-a-School Initiative in Busia.

Magoha also appealed for support from County Governments and other partners for any interventions on Covid- related materials when schools reopen.

Development funds

 Magoha’s sentiments come against the backdrop of concerns by education stakeholders that schools may not be able to enforce social distancing protocols because  of lack of  funds to put up more facilities. 

This is because the Government is yet to disburse infrastructure development funds to learning institutions to construct additional classrooms and dormitories to meet Covid-19 containment measures. 

Last week Head teachers raised concern over reluctance by parents to pay school fees following the directive by government that no student should be sent home for lack of school fees.

Consequently, they are concerned that most public schools are already staring at a financial crisis in their operations and the situation is likely to worsen in the next two weeks.

“Parents have the obligation to pay fees for their children to cover Term Two and if possible clear first term arrears to enable schools run effectively,” said Kenya Secondary School Heads Association chairman, Kahi Indimuli last week.