Editor's Review

  • The government revised the opening dates to January 4.
  • Some schools are recording increased Covid-19 cases.

The government might postpone the reopening of schools scheduled for January 4. 

Last week, Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha released the revised school calendar in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. 

Speaking on Wednesday, Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe announced that the government might revise the opening date if the situation does not change. 

Currently, the country is witnessing a surge in coronavirus cases, and some schools have been impacted. 

"We target periods when we want to reopen schools, we don't have specific dates and nothing is cast in stone. If by January 4, the situation will be deemed as risky then we will not reopen," he said.

Speaking while appearing on the Jeff Koinange Live show, Kagwe urged parents not to expose their children while on holiday.

He cautioned against attending large gatherings. 

His sentiment comes when stakeholders have questioned whether it is wise to reopen schools with cases spiking in other institutions.

Notably, Bahati Girls High School has recorded the highest number of cases among institutions.

Two weeks ago, 68 students and five teachers tested positive for the virus. About 115 students from the institution are in quarantine.

Already, one student from Kakamega county has succumbed to suspected Covid-19 complications. 

Kagwe pointed out that it is good news on the possibility of a vaccine, but he will not allow Kenyans to be used s guinea pigs. 

"Even as we speak, we are getting vaccines everyday, we want a vaccine as soon as yesterday, the sooner we get it the better because we will be saving lives, however, we will not be prey to commercial interests for vaccines that have not even been tested by peer groups," CS Kagwe said.

Currently, American giants Pfizer and Moderna have announced their vaccines are over 90% safe.