The CS for Education Prof. George Magoha has ruled out closure of schools due to new Covid-19 cases reported among learners and teachers after Grade Four, Standard Eight and Form Four learners reported back.
The CS was speaking at Kakamega County where he was inspecting production of COVID-19 compliant desks and lockers.
He said, he is visiting schools to ensure that carpenters meet the required specifications of making the desks and lockers before the government makes payment.
Magoha said the infection levels in schools are closely monitored by health experts and there is no cause of alarm. However he hinted at mass reopening of schools and said it may take longer than expected.
“That date of October 26 belonged to the media. What we said is that we were going to monitor how everything is going and shall make an announcement in consultation with the Interior and Health ministries” he said.
“We are auditing processes that took place over the last two weeks. Any decision to be made will be based on facts. Nobody is thinking of closing schools again and nobody is thinking of rushing to reopen the others” He further explained.
The CS stated that reopening of bars has led to spike in the number of infections so the infections in schools are a reflection of the situation among communities in specific regions.
He said all the stakeholders have taken necessary steps to contain the spread of the virus so there is nothing to worry about.
“We have had small pockets of outbreaks in places such as Mombasa, which have necessitated certain actions, for example the closure of schools for two weeks, but we are happy nothing serious has happened,” he said.
Magoha distanced himself on closing of schools over health concerns and said such a decision is covered under the Public Health Act.