By Norah Musega
Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha has advised institutions of higher learning to strictly adhere to World Health Organisation safety standards and by extension those of the Ministry of Health in preparation for reopening.
Prof Magoha, who was speaking at Asumbi Teachers Training College in Homa-bay County, warned that no institution will be reopened before adhering to the set standards.
He said institutions must ensure they have adequate water points, automatic sanitizers fitted at every entrance, and maintain social distancing and ensure proper wearing of masks, covering both the mouth and nose.
“I have found a well built and managed institution, but all the standards set by the Ministry of Health must be followed. The Ministry of Education has not cleared any institution and so far the one that is almost ready for reopening is Strathmore University,” stated the CS.
“For an institution to be cleared for reopening, they must receive a letter from the ministry,” he added.
He ranked the Murang’a TTC at 80% compliance, Kericho at 70% and Asumbi at 65%, Kibabii at 60%, saying other institutions are still below the 60% mark in their preparations with Eregi being at 20%.
He urged parents to ensure they take good care of the children with the extension of the holiday due to the Covid-19 pandemic, saying chiefs had been instructed to ensure they give data of all the pregnancy cases and appropriate action taken against culprits.
“President Kenyatta had instructed chiefs to provide data for all children impregnated in their areas of jurisdictions; the pregnancy data which has been given before by some organisations is confusing bringing animosity for no proper reason which we might not rely on,” noted Prof Magoha.
Rangwe MP Dr Lilian Gogo, who accompanied the CS, also took issue with the society for laxity in giving moral teaching to the teenagers especially the girls who are vulnerable. She said this had contributed to the early pregnancies and early marriages and child abuse.
She urged girls who have conceived never to give up, adding that they should be encouraged to ensure they continue with their education.
Dr Gogo, who also handed over 120 litres of sanitizers to Asumbi TTC fraternity, urged the residents to ensure they observe measures to curb the spread of the virus.
Asumbi TTC Principal Beatrice Bironga said that they are well prepared and have put mechanism to ensure containment measures are well followed.
