The Ministry of Education has announced that students in the final year in teachers training colleges, universities, and Vocational training colleges will resume physical or in-person classes as from Monday, October 5.
Education Cabinet Secretary Professor George Magoha said today that his ministry has commenced phased reopening of learning institutions starting with final year students in tertiary institutions.
“Pursuant to the presidential directives issued during the twelfth presidential address to the nation on the COVID-19 pandemic after extensive discussions, the Ministry of Education will begin reopening of universities and tertiary institutions with effect on Monday, October 5, 2020,” said CS Magoha.
The CS has also allowed the Councils of universities and their respective senates to decide and then make public when learners in other academic years will join the final year students based on their own consideration as to whether they are ready. As they make this consideration, they must give priority to students who are undertaking science-based courses.
The Boards of Teachers Training Colleges, and Technical and Vocational training institutes (TVETs) have also been directed by CS Magoha to announce dates for resuming in-person learning for the other classes while also prioritizing students undertaking practical courses.
“In order to resume in-person learning, all universities and tertiary institutions will require strict adherence to the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 protocols and guidelines to curb the spread of the global pandemic,” added Education CS Prof George Magoha.
Colleges and universities that had been assigned as quarantine areas will have to be fumigated by health officials before reopening.
“All learning institutions shall provide spiritual and psychological support to students and staff during the ongoing pandemic,” said the CS.
Institutions’ boards, councils, principals, and vice-chancellors shall make sure there is fully compliance with guidelines and protocols provided by the Ministry of Health. Failure to comply will call for closure for breach of the provided guidelines and protocols
According to CS Magoha, education officials alongside public health officers will continuously monitor and review how institutions have complied with the given measures and assess the level of compliance as well.
The date for reopening of basic education institutions has not yet been provided and students will stay at home until the government and relevant stakeholders have come to a consensus.