Campuses and Colleges to Reopen Earlier than January 2021

Prof. George Magoha now says the government is mulling over the reopening of campuses earlier than the planned January 2021.

Speaking in Migori County, the minister said the number of new coronavirus infections have been declining steadily in the recent past, prompting a possible review of Kenya’s education calendar.

“It appears the virus’ spread is stagnating,” said Magoha, who addressed journalists at the office of Migori Governor Okoth Obado on Tuesday, August 25.

“Should the situation change then we shall be ready and willing to look at the scenario once again in the interest of our children,” added the minister, implying that Kenya’s education calendar is up for review.

“Our intention as government is to ensure schools are reopened as early as yesterday. However, the bottom-line is our children should be safe when they return. We are doing everything possible, including making water and sanitizer points available in schools. We’ll go to the extent of providing face masks, where possible,” he added.

On July 7, 2020, Magoha said the Ministry in consultation with relevant stakeholders had resorted to pushing back the 2020 Academic Calendar to January 2021 .

Addressing journalists at the KICD Headquarters in Nairobi, the minister said basic learning institutions will reopen in January 2021.

Prof. Magoha further said that the 2020 KCPE exams will be held “later in 2021”.

The minister, however, remained silent on the fate of KCSE exams, which are assumed will also be held in 2021.

Prof. Magoha directed the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) to republish new examination dates.

“Stakeholders have shelved the initial proposal to reopen basic learning institutions in September for Standard Eight and Form Four candidate classes,” said Magoha.