Exact Number Of Students And Teachers Tested Covid-19 Positive Since Schools Reopened

During the early stage of Coronavirus entry in Kenya, the government in conjunction with the Ministry of education announced the Closure of all educational institutions in a bold bid to curb the spread of the virus across the country. Learners were advised to stay home for their safety till pronouncement of schools reopening.

However, as the covid-19 curve flattened across the country, the Ministry of education took a step of reopening schools in phases as promised early upon covid-19 curve flattening. The resumption of grade 4, class 8 and form 4 were considered first as reopening of other classes set to be done in phases as per the Ministry of education.

Since the reopening of schools, some teacher and Learners have been reportedly to have contradicted with covid-19, a move that has created tension in schools. Speaking today before parliamentary Education committee, the principal secretary of education Dr Belio Kipsang asserted that 17 students and 33 teachers have been contradicted with covid-19 since schools reopened two weeks ago.

Photo: Principal Secretary of Education Dr Belio Kipsang

According to Dr Belio Kipsang,the 4 non-teaching staff have so far tested covid-19 positive. Speaking before Education committe of national assembly, Dr Kipsang indicated that 35 schools have reportedly with covid-19 cases since reopening, where he affirmed any possibility of closing schools in future.

Dr Belio Kipsang affirmed that social distance will be a major blow to Learners in school due to lack of adequate facilities. He claimed would be great wish of doubling facilities if possible. He ascertains the plan of ministry of education of mitigation and provision of water and hand sanitizers to children and ensuring wearing of masks by students.

However, Dr Kipsang said the Ministry of education can’t afford to offers masks to all Learners and therefore asked organizations to donate to students and their parents to provide as per their responsibility. Busia women representative Florence Mutua who chaired the committe claims that it’s a bold step for Learners to embark to schools but the government has to set in place effective preventive measures for the safety of Learners.