Why universities are likely to reopen before schools

Institutions of higher learning could be the first to reopen in September.

A document from the Education ministry recommends reopening technical training institutions due to low enrolments.

The institutions have a student population of slightly above 400,000 while universities have more than half a million students.

The document signed by Education CS George Magoha was presented to the National Assembly Education committee on Thursday to address queries by legislators on how the ministry plans to handle schools upon reopening.

"The Ministry of Education will consider prioritising the reopening of technical training colleges subject to observing all coronavirus protocols due to their low enrolment," the document reads.

In case of a delay in reopening, the document notes that universities and TVETs will carry out admission and orientation virtually pending determination of reporting dates.

However George Omondi, a University of Nairobi professor, said the institutions host a more mature group of students and it is possible that safety guidelines will be easily adhered to.

He said the extent of the crisis in higher education will become evident in September.

Omondi said the university's financial situation remains precarious and shutter only makes it worse.

He said private institutions will be the worst affected as they exclusively depend on tuition fees.

"On whether there are some institutions that will shut down, I say yes. It is not if but how many," Omondi said on the phone.

President Uhuru Kenyatta in May directed the Education ministry to restructure the school calendar by mid-August.

However, there are indications the government may have shelved the initial plan to reopen primary and secondary schools in September.

Recommendations presented to the President propose schools reopen in January 2021.

The new dates were endorsed by stakeholders, including unions within the Education sector, and informed by projections showing Covid-19 infections could peak in September.

The document says the Teachers Service Commission shall identify teachers with underlying health conditions and those 58 years and above for assignment of appropriate duties.

Teaching staff will be required to report at least 14 days before reopening for orientation on the health safety protocols to be observed in schools.

The teachers will be required to ensure that teaching, learning, research and boarding facilities adhere to social distancing protocols;

The teachers will be trained on emerging methods that will facilitate effective implementation of the curriculum, including e-learning.

Edited by Josephine M. Mayuya