Schools reopened officially on Monday this week, and that has come at a time when many parents are struggling financially. Despite calls for schools not to send home students who don’t have school fees, some schools have done so, with a section of the clergy condemning the move.
The church and clergy association of Kenya chairman Bishop Hudson Ndeda has faulted school principals who’ve resorted to that, saying students have spent enough time at home already and they should remain in schools to give teachers the ample time to complete the syllabus. He acknowledged that many schools have financial issues, but said sending students home when the Covid-19 is still actively spreading isn’t the best option.
He, however, urged parents to make payments to support and stabilize school programmes. He also called upon Education CS Prof. George Magoha to make interventions and fast track the release of funds promised by the national government to schools, noting that many institutions are going through many challenges including a shortage of desks and classrooms.
“Many schools have challenges which the Ministry is aware of, including a shortage of desks. The government initiated the school desks project but up to now only a few schools have received the desks, and they aren’t enough,” he said, “We appeal to President Uhuru Kenyatta and the Ministry of Education to intervene so that the education of our children can get back to full swing.”