Uhuru Orders Interior Ministry to Oversee the Reopening of All Schools Countrywide

President Kenyatta has directed the Ministry of Interior to facilitate the reopening of all learning institutions on January 4th.

Speaking during this year’s Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday, the president asked the ministry to work with Chiefs across the country to ensure all learners return to school.

“I hereby direct that the Ministry of Interior and the Co-ordination of the National Government shall, through all Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs, account for all children within their jurisdiction of those officers and also ensure that all children report back to school in January 2021,” said Kenyatta.

Uhuru said the Education and Health ministries have developed safety guidelines to facilitate the reopening of schools.

“We remain on course for the resumption of learning in all classes effective the 4th of January 2021 with the safety of our learners being our top priority,” he noted.

He further ordered principals and headmasters to submit to the Education Ministry reports on the identities of all students who fail to report to school.

The Ministry of Education is also required to facilitate the resumption of learning for all female learners who dropped out of school due to pregnancy.

Learning was suspended in March this year following the break out of Covid-19 in the country.

The gradual reopening of schools began in October where Grade Four, Class Eight, and Form Four students resumed learning.

January 4th will mark the beginning of the second term of the school calendar for PP1 and 2, Grade 1, 2 and 3, Class 5, 6 and 7, and Form 1, 2, and 3 learners. The term will run until March 19th.

All learners, except Class 8 and Form 4, will then proceed on a seven-week holiday to allow KCPE and KCSE candidates to sit for their exams.

Learners in Grade 4 and incoming Form One students will remain at home as other learners complete the third term.