Schools reopening is in limbo after a fresh order was issued today that may see learners stay home longer.
The Ministry of Education suffered the blow after the Kisii High Court directed that schools be reopened only after complying with COVID-19 regulations.
This new directive by the court is a huge blow especially after the government admitted that it can’t meet the cost for protecting teachers and learners against the deadly virus when schools reopen.
In his judgment, Justice K. Ndung’u endorsed the mediation agreement between eight parents who filed the petition on May 28, 2020 and the respondents who include Cabinet Secretary for Education; Ministry of Education Science and Technology; the Attorney General and the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development.
“Upon hearing the petitioners, counsels for the respondents and the mediator Mr. John Onyiego, it is therefore ordered that the mediation agreement duly signed by parties and dated August 25, 2020 and which is duly signed by all parties is adopted as the judgment of the court,” the judge ruled on Thursday.
Two days ago, Education CS George Magoha announced the re-opening of public and private schools following six months of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prof. Magoha said the progressive re-opening will begin with students in Grade 4, Class Eight and Form Four who are expected back to school from Monday, October 12.
The CS directed that students returning to school continue with learning until December 23, 2020, when the second term will come to an end, then proceed for a one-week Christmas break.
However, one of the petitioners—Mr. Oloo Gor—has warned that they will file contempt of court in case the Education Ministry proceeds to open schools for Grade 4, Class 8 and Form Four on October 12, 2020 without ensuring that they have adhered to COVID-19 rules.
The rules include regular washing of hands, staying at home if sick and social distancing.
Can these courts just shut up and let our cadidate kids complet their learning in peace. Who are these parents anyway, I think its about time parents vote about this issue of opening schools.
In case the schools should be opened with national examination classes at the helm, it ought to be Grade 3 & NOT GRADE 4 to reopen ahead. Or are they tooshy to redress this anomaly now!!!
Is it safe for our children to go back to school
how sure are you they are safe at home???
I had our court s the systems don’t consider the poor. Schools should be opened
Schools should have the capacity to rapidly identify, quarantine and refer for testing any suspected Covid-19 cases among their students, workers and staff. The cost of testing and treatment should be borne by the school and government. It is unethical to reopen schools without guarantees that these precautions are firmly in place. It is wrong to penalize parents by way of having them meet the costs of quarantine, testing and treatment should their child contract this dreaded illness in school.
What’s the hurry?? Parents, teachers, and government should all join hands to prepare the schools for the safety of our kid’s come January.. And the 2 months to end year are enough to place precautions at the schools, and training… Schools to open in January
Wengi wetu tumekuwa nje ya kazi.we cant afford what the schools are asking fr.Atlist tupewe mpaka January tuwe tumejipanga.One wk notice is vry short.
I think anyone disagreeing with courts is either ignorant, stupid or doesn’t really care about government complicity in the health problems bedeviling us
First the govt should prepare wisely on safety of both pupils and students in order to reopen the school as soon as possible.
The school should remain closed .the ministry of education have not put enough measure to fight with covid 19.school should be open January so that everyone will be prepared well
Are you serious so you want children to get affected and maybe die
Government should first put in place all the necessity in all learning institution being private or public.
KICD should come clear and inform the country that the incremental buildup from one class to the other is so minimal such that it can be covered in two months..
We will not develop by holding children in learning institutions till the are 24.
Let the children proceed to the next class and the lost part of the curriculum covered in the next class.
I don’t see the need for this hurry hurry, why does the government first put all the measures in place then go on and open the schools, our children’s lives and health matter than education. The ministry of education should adhere to judicial verdict.