Ministry of Education Suffers Setback as Court Blocks Re-opening of Schools

The Ministry of Education has suffered a setback after the Kisii High Court barred the re-opening of schools until such a time when all Covid-19 regulations are complied with fully.

Kisii High Court’s Justice K. Ndung’u ruled that a mediation agreement between the petitioner (eight parents who filed the petition in May), and the respondents including the Ministry of Education Science and Technology; the  Attorney General, Education CS Prof George Magoha and the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development be put in force and adopted as the court’s ruling.

“Upon hearing the petitioners, counsels for the respondents and the mediator Mr. John Onyiego, it is therefore ordered that the mediation agreement duly signed by parties and dated August 25, 2020 and which is duly signed by all parties is adopted as the judgment of the court,” the judge ruled as quoted by Citizen.

Nairobi Leo is yet to acquire the mediation agreement and as such is not privy to the details contained in it.

Speaking after the ruling, one of the petitioners noted that they’ll file a contempt of court case if the Ministry proceeds with plans to reopen schools as from Monday, October 12.

Magoha announces re-opening of schools

Early this week, CS Magoha announced that pupils in Grade 4 and Class 8 together with students in Form Four will resume classes on Monday, 12 October 2020.

Learners who are expected to sit for their KCPE and KCSE exams will close school for one week on December 24 and resume learning on January 1, 2021.

The Third term will commence on January 4, 2021, and end on March 19.

Class 8 pupils will sit for their KCPE exams on March 22, 2021, and write their last paper on 24 of the same month.

Form 4 students will begin their KCSE exams on March 25 and sit for their final paper on April 16 2021.