Education CS Prof. George Magoha has assured artisans who were contracted to make and supply school desks for primary and secondary schools that they’ll start receiving their payment this Friday. CS Magoha, who visited Psigiro primary school and Mnagei secondary school in West Pokot County on Wednesday said the government is working round the clock to ensure the project which is part of the economic stimulus package is a success.
Addressing the press at Mnagei secondary school, CS Magoha said he has toured a number of schools across the country and inspected a number of desks that have already made, pointing out that they meet the standards, “The desks I’ve seen are of high quality. The local artisans have done a tremendous job and their payment will be ready at the end of the week.” He said those who are verified artisans and those who made top quality desks will be given the priority in the payment schedule.
The CS acknowledged that most of the schools have infrastructure challenges but the Ministry of Education will disburse funds to set up classes in compliance with the President’s directive. On observance of safety measures, he said he has toured over 100 schools across the country and congratulated all the teachers for ensuring all students have masks and Covid-19 safety protocols have been adhered to. “As far as I’m concerned life must continue but we must follow Covid-19 protocols by the Ministry of Health,” stated the CS.
He added that it will be inconsiderable for learners to stay at home for years because of Covid-19, hence urged education stakeholders to learn to live with it, and that teachers have now an insurance system that will cover them during the pandemic affirming that the Ministry of Education will take a firm position to ensure that the government caters for treatment of learners who turn out to be Covid-19 positive. Magoha was accompanied by education stakeholders from the Ministry of Health and West Pokot County commissioner Apollo Okello.