Gov't Announces Reopening of Schools for KCPE, KCSE Candidates and Grade Four Learners

Education Cabinet Secretary Prof. George Magoha has announced the gradual reopening of schools starting next week.

Magoha in a statement on Tuesday said learning for all Class Eight, Form Four and Grade Four students will resume across the country on Monday, October 12th.

“Pursuant to the Presidential Directive issued during the Twelfth (12th) Presidential Address to the Nation on the Coronavirus Pandemic on Monday, 28th September, 2020, and following broad-based education stakeholder consultations; the Ministry of Education notifies the public that the progressive re-opening of schools will commence with Grade 4 (Competency Based Curriculum Class), Class 8 and Form 4 on Monday, 12th October, 2020,” reads the statement.

At the same time, CS Magoha said Class Eight pupils will sit for the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exam from March 22nd to March 24th, 2021. Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination will commence on March 25th and end on April 16th.

The second term will run from October 12th to December 23rd, after which learners will take a one-week break before schools reopen for the third term.

The Education Ministry said learners will be required to strictly adhere to Covid-19 containment measures including mandatory use of facemasks, social distancing, washing hands and monitoring of body temperatures.

"Where there is no running water, the school will use hand sanitizers," said Mahoga.

"Although physical distancing remains a challenge, it should not be used as a bottleneck excuse to deny any child away from school."