President Uhuru Kenyatta has directed government officials to hasten and fast track talks and consultations on resumption of the education calendar and reopening of places of worship, keeping in mind the safety of Kenyans as the Covid-19 pandemic rages on. Speaking at State House, Nairobi, during the 57th Madaraka Day fete, he noted that while the directives issued by the government are absolutely necessary, they have restrained the freedom of Kenyans.
He directed the Ministry of Education to fast track and finalize the ongoing consultations with all stakeholders that will provide an appropriate calendar for the gradual resumption of education in Kenya, “The guidelines should also include protocols followed by all learning institutions in order to guarantee not only the safety of the children but the safety of their parents and grandparents,” he said.
He acknowledged that anxiety is hanging on the minds of parents and children, especially students preparing for the national exams. Religious leaders have also on several occasions called for reopening of places of worship, after social distancing and other Covid-19 directives prevented congregations. The President has directed the Health and Interior Ministries to hasten talks, “I have directed the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Health to continue and hasten their engagement with religious leaders across the country with the objective of developing protocols that will guide a more participatory way of worship while guaranteeing the safety of worshippers,” he said.