Kenya’s Education Cabinet secretary has directed all public schools to accept learners from private schools. This after many parents have suffered financial constraints after the effects of Covid-19, and therefore can’t afford to secure their learners to private schools anymore.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony of Dr Ida Odinga Library, Research, Innovation and Resource Center at Ogande Girls High School in Homa Bay, Magoha warned principals against sending pupils home for school fees.
He noted that many parents are having financial difficulties due to effects of Covid-19 thus lear ners should not be harassed over fees.
“To principals, do your homework before you send a student back home for school fees. We don’t want students to be sent home,” Magoha warned.
The CS assured parents that the Government will cater for protective gear of their children to prevent them from catching Covid-19.
He said the Government will develop modalities of identifying the needy students whose parents cannot afford masks.
“The masks will be given to pupils whose parents are truly unable to afford them. We know how we will identify them,” said Magoha.
He added that all learners must resume learning regardless of whether they are pregnant or not.null
“Pregnancy is not a disease. Let all pupils return to school in January and complete their studies,” Magoha added. The CS assured parents that the Government will deliver desks whose tender was awarded to various carpenters at a cost of Sh1.9 billion, by January 4. This is aimed at ensuring social distancing in schools.
Job losses and reduced income owing to Covid-19 are forcing parents transfer of learners from high cost private schools to public institutions even as they brace themselves to pay fees, buy school uniforms and Covid-19 protecive gear.
A number of private schools have also shut down due to effects of the pandemic.
