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Education Cabinet Secretary (CS)  George Magoha has directed that no child should be sent back home over school fees, as phased reopening of schools commenced yesterday.

Prof Magoha made the remarks as he urged parents to start preparing all children to resume learning in one or two week’s time saying no child should be left behind.

“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 Magoha, when he monitored re-opening at Olympic Primary in Kibera, Nairobi.

“For those who have to pay fees especially for boarding schools where there are some charges, I plead with our principals to ensure no child is sent home on account of school fees both in the private and public sector,” he added.

Magoha 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.

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

He said children who may be pregnant should not be afraid of going back to school and urged teachers to not only be empathic but also give them the assistance they require.

The CS at the same time directedthat schools maintain updated bio-data for all learners and staff and contacts of their parents/guardians for easy management of Covid-19 and other related emergencies.

All schools are required to provide adequate water, soap, cleaning detergents and disinfectants to ensure proper hygiene practices.

Where water is not available, schools must avail hand sanitisers.