CS Magoha- More space needed in boarding schools

Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha has said boarding schools will have to expand their capacities ahead of reopening. This is one of the measures being put in place by the Ministry to ensure that there will be social distancing among learners.

While addressing the Covid-19 virtual conference on Monday, CS Magoha said the boarding schools (that account for 35% of all schools in the country) needed a face-lift to accommodate the learners.

“We have to increase physical space (in boarding schools). You will find two or three double beds carrying six children. If we apply the social distancing rules, only two will be accommodated,” said CS Magoha.

The conference that brought together various stake holders was meant to reflect on the country’s response to the covid-19 pandemic.

Magoha said his Ministry had put up various interventions to prevent spread of the disease among learners; including having them to wear masks at all times.

He maintained the official reopening dates for schools is as earlier announced; January 2021. But, was quick to point out that this may be rescinded anytime the infection curve flattens.

Magoha, at the same time, told the conference that all schools in the country had been mapped to find out their preparedness. Through the mapping most schools had been seen to have made reasonable strides in providing hand washing facilities and sanitizers.

On provision of face masks to learners, the CS said his ministry would require Sh1 billion to supply them to all learners in the country.