All students are to report back to school on January 4, 2021, Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha has announced, his strongest signal yet on the new school calendar after months of flip-flopping.
Some 10 million learners are currently out of classes due to the restrictions placed to curb the spread of Covid-19.
“All schools will reopen fully on the 4th of January 2021. This will apply to PP1 and 2, Grade 1,2,3, Class Five, Six and Seven, and Form One, Two and Three,” said Prof Magoha.
The decision was made in a meeting between the Ministry of Education and education stakeholders occasioned by President Uhuru Kenyatta’s directive to find a solution to the learning resumption stalemate.
CS Magoha added that Grade 4 CBC learners who reported back to school in October will go for a holiday as the other students finish their third term.
“Grade Four and incoming Form One- class eight graduates- will stay at home as other learners complete their third terms…Grade Four CBS learners will transition to grade 5 in July 2021.”
Other learners will also be required to go for a seven-week holiday after the end of the second term on March 19 to allow the administration and marking of the KCSE and KCPE exams.
International schools will also follow the same calendar from January 4, 2021, while all four-year-olds will join PP1 in July.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) CEO Nancy Macharia also reminded teachers who are 58-years-old and above and with pre-existing health conditions to remain at home and not fear being sacked by the employer.
“I want to assure our teacher that the employer is in no business of dismissing teacher and especially when this has been a presidential directive. We just want you to take care of your health,” she said.
Prof Magoha also appealed to benefactors to aid in the supply of masks for students, stating that they were the most crucial item to ensure that the plans run smoothly.
“As we prepare the schools for reopening, the most important constant is going to be the masks. We already have some masks in store to cater to the poor but we don’t mind getting any extra,” said Magoha.
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