The Cabinet Secretary for Education Prof George Magoha has issued an apology for the abrupt closure of schools which he directed this week.
In a press conference held on Wednesday the 3rd of August 2022, CS Magoha revealed that he was aware that his directive made things difficult for parents countrywide but admitted that he had to be the one announcing the decision as it is his responsibility.
CS Magoha also said that he had had enough of the ‘attacks’ from his parents.
“I know that people are unhappy that the schools were closed abruptly. Let me apologize on behalf of the government. So the small pain I have caused, I take full responsibility for because I was the one who was supposed to say it. I think the swords you have sent on me are now enough,” said the Cabinet Secretary.
Magoha also said that he loves children and that he would never ratify a decision that would cause them harm or put their lives at risk.
“So as I take full responsibility, please try and understand I love the children, and I will be the last person to put their life or anything at risk,” Magoha further said.
Explaining the Reason Why
In his defence, CS Magoha said that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) must be given anything they need in order for the country to have a successful General Election.
The General Elections are set to be held on Tuesday the 9th of August and the Commission is set to use schools as polling centres.
He said that he did not want it to be reported that the government did not allow them the conditions required for them to prepare well.
“But you see, the electoral commission must be given whatever, whenever they want, in order to be able to conduct a free, fair and justifiable election. It is important that the electoral commission gets access to schools and not to say that we did not give them enough time to prepare for the election,” said CS Magoha.
CS Magoha ordered all schools to be closed on the 2nd of August with resumption set on the 10th of August 2022. This was done to allow for seamless preparations for the upcoming general elections.