This year’s KCPE and KCSE national exams might be done in April 2021 according to Education CS Prof. George Magoha. Speaking to the Senate Ad Hoc Committee, CS Magoha said it would not be practical to do the national exams past April 2021. President Uhuru Kenyatta had directed the school calendar to be prepared by mid-August ahead of the reopening of schools for third term on September 1st, and the Education CS has said schools’ reopening in September isn’t a guaranteed fact.
When speaking to the press hours later in Nakuru, CS Prof. Magoha said the Ministry has started thinking of the safety and well being of children, adding that social and physical distancing is key, given that the 100% transition programme had just been concluded before the Coronavirus pandemic started. He said they are under strict instructions to involve stakeholders in the matter of reopening of schools and reiterated that the September reopening isn’t a closed deal, “In order for us to open in September, the Ministry of Health must be satisfied that all that the children, teachers and staff in schools are going to be safe as we open the schools,” he said.
He said it would be futile for President Kenyatta to open schools early and have them closed a week or two later, as is being witnessed in some countries which have reported Covid-19 cases in schools after reopening.