Fate Sealed! Schools to reopen tomorrow despite pending court order, read the full details below
The dice is already cast and learners in grade four, standard eight and form four will resume learning tomorrow as planned despite a pending court order.
After CS Magoha announced the resumption of learning for the aforementioned, there arose complaints emanating from various quarters especially parents who felt like the one-week schools reopening notice was too short.
The dissatisfaction culminated in a court battle that is yet to be determined before High Court Judge Justice James Makau.
According to the case presented before him, parents are not convinced that their children will be safe in schools given that the CS announced the reopening dates without enough preparations.
Most of the schools still do not have access to enough running water and neither will the social distancing rule be implemented given the scarcity of resources.
The petitioners hence want schools to reopen when Covid 19 protocols have been duly observed to ensure the safety of learners within the learning environment.
On Wednesday, Justice James Makau made a ruling directing the parties involved to convene an urgent meeting and arrive at an agreement as soon as possible but from the look of things, schools will reopen before the case is fully determined.
Parents are already preparing for the Monday October 12 schools’ reopening
A quick glance at the preparations being made by parents for reopening shows a positive response.
In fact, some parents have already deposited school fees for term 2 into the school accounts.
Some were spotted making purchases from uniform dealers on Saturday. Some schools have directed parents to buy masks with labels containing the school name from specific dealers to ensure that learners report back with the masks as directed by the ministry.
According to Education CAS Zack Kinuthia, parents who are still confused or reluctant on whether to send their children back to school despite the pending court order should shelve their fear for the moment and allow learners to resume studies as soon as they can.
Treasury released 14.5 billion for preparation for a safe reopening
Besides, money has already been released to schools in preparation for a safe reopening.
Confirming the release of the funds, PS Belio Kipsang said that 13.2 billion has been sent under the free basic education funds while 1.2 has been disbursed under the free primary education funds.
The new academic calendar starts tomorrow with learners scheduled for a one-week break only before resuming studies in January for the third term.
