The Ministry of Education on Wednesday, November 25 dismissed rumours alleging the death of four candidates due to Covid-19 in a Kisumu boarding school.
A letter seen by Teachers Arena from the Kisumu County Director of Education, Isaac Atebe dispelled the reports circulating on social media.
“This office conducted a survey in all our Boarding Primary Schools both public and private. Findings are that there are no reported cases of deaths due to Covid-19 as reported on social media in any of our boarding primary schools since the partial re-opening of schools on 5th October 2020.
“In addition, the County Director Public Health Kisumu and the County Director TSC confirmed that no teacher had been reported to be in ICU over Covid-19 as of 25th November 2020,” read part of the letter.
The reports claimed that four Class 8 candidate had succumbed to Covid-19 in an unnamed boarding school in Kisumu.
Two teachers were also reported to be in ICU according to the fake news that was being peddled on various social media platforms.
This comes after the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) disclosed that 33 tutors succumbed to Covid-19 since the phased reopening of schools in October 2020.
As of Sunday, November 22, 145 teachers had visited various hospitals to seek Covid-19 medication.
The Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) on Tuesday, November 17 sounded an alarm over the death of 13 headteachers and principals since the phased reopening of schools commenced.
Education Cabinet Secretary, Prof George Magoha a day later vowed to push for medical cover for students who test positive for Covid-19.
Deputy President William Ruto joined in the call for students to be insured by the government ahead of the January 2021 school reopening.
