West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo has called on the government to reopen schools for children, arguing that the long-term impact of closing schools is likely to cause more harm to children, their future and their communities.
The County boss challenged the Ministry of Education to come up with a solution on the safe reopening of schools, while taking measures to limit the spread of the virus.
He said that parents are facing many challenges when staying with children at home.
The Governor said that children are even at risk in community learning programs as they mix and interact freely putting them at risk of contracting Covid-19.
Speaking to the press in Kapenguria, Lonyangapuo said Education CS Prof. George Magoha should incorporate other stakeholders in addressing the issue.
“They should consult with the County governments and other education stakeholders. The national government shouldn’t struggle alone, it concerns all of us,” he said.
He asked the Ministry of Education to use the funds donated by the World Bank to set up infrastructure in schools that will help to establish social distancing.
“They should put up temporary classrooms. Don’t wait for politicians to tell you what to do, we don’t want to stagnate the nation,” he said.
On the Coronavirus situation in West Pokot, he said the County government has done training of health workers and sensitization in efforts to combat the disease.
“We have an additional 64 health workers making 531 which is equivalent to 66% trained workers on case management and infection control targeting dispensaries and health centers. We have 200 community health volunteers who have been trained on IPC measures and stigma reduction. They will be visiting households passing messages from next week,” he said.
