Education CS Prof. George Magoha today toured Meru and Nyeri county to inspect National Polytechnics in readiness to reopening the Institutions amid Covid-19 Pandemic.
However Prof. Magoha have only given three polytechinics a green light to reopen after meeting most of the required protocols.
The CS said there are at least three polytechnics which are lined up for reopening after spending well the monies allocated for preparations in line with Covid-19 health guidelines.
Speaking while at Nyeri Polytechnic he said Eldoret, Rift valley and Nyeri polytechnics are some of the institutions which have met most of the required guidelines. However the CS said there are only a few things for the institutions to complete before getting official clearance in a weeks time.
“We now have at least three of them which are very clearly ready to be opened. Rift valley then we have Eldoret then this one (Nyeri Polytechnic). There are just a few things we meet then can be opened in a weeks time or so. From the gate upto dining halls, classrooms, boarding houses, toilets, water points you can measure actually how much money has been spent. The money has been well spent,” said Magoha.
In another tour CS Magoha expressed concern over the “pathetic” state of Sagana Technical Training Institute in Kirinyaga and warned that it may not re-open.
Prof Magoha accused management of failing to ensure cleanliness and repair dilapidated buildings.
“The institution is filthy and buildings have not been painted. The dusty floors lack tiles and the situation is pathetic,” he said.
He also noted that the institute sponsored by the Catholic Church has not put in place measures to curb Covid-19 yet is expects to re-open soon.
“The management has not established hand washing points. It also doesn’t have soaps and sanitisers for students,” he observed.
Prof Magoha directed local and national education officials to ensure changes at the institution.
“We don’t want to put our children at risk. The management should make sure classrooms are renovated and that the place is clean,” he said.
The minister said the government will supply desks to public schools at a cost of Sh1.9 billion before learning institutions reopen.
“We have an economic stimulus package for schools which will ensure learners are provided with standard desks for safe learning,” he said.
However the CS said for public primary and secondary school they are very far from meeting the required set conditions.