Schools Reopen in Kenya After 7-Month Covid-19 Interruption

Schools in Kenya reopened on Monday for the second term after a seven-month interruption occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Only learners in Grade Four (Competency-Based Curriculum), Class Eight, and Form Four were allowed to report to schools for physical learning across the country. 

The three groups of learners were allowed back to school under strict Covid-19 containment measures including observation of social distancing in classes, wearing face masks, and washing hands regularly.

“We are back, but the COVID-19 protocols must be followed. Teachers must ensure that the learners are well protected and they have masks on,” said Education Cabinet Secretary Prof. George Magoha during a tour to schools in Kibra, Nairobi.

Teachers are required to ensure hygiene measures are observed through regular hand-washing while headteachers were tasked to identify and compile a list of all learners with preexisting health conditions.

“That is very important because it will help to know who has a preexisting condition so as to get special Covid-19 attention,” said Magoha.

CS Magoha said the ministry will only provide free facemasks to learners from poor backgrounds. 

“We will not be able to provide masks to every learner but we shall provide them for the less fortunate. Parents are encouraged to purchase the reusable masks for their children for safety.”

The ministry said Class Eight pupils will sit for the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exam from March 22nd to March 24th, 2021 while the 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 government is yet to announce when students in the rest of the classes will report to school.