By Amoto Dennis
The Ministry of Education has set aside Sh1.9 billion for the supply of locally assembled furniture to public primary and secondary schools ahead of reopening.
Sh1 billion of the Sh1.9 billion will be used to make lockers and chairs for public secondary schools, while the remaining Sh900 million will be used to make desks for primary schools.
Speaking at Pwani University in Kilifi, Cabinet Secretary for Education Prof George Magoha said the Ministry has developed a sample of the required desk.
The desks will be made in a unique way as opposed to the ones used in schools. Each student will have a personal desk that has space to hold books and a large writing service.
Prof Magoha, however, directed the County Directors of Education to ensure the desks are made and delivered to institutions by October 19.
Each of the selected primary schools will receive 70 desks, while secondary schools will get 50 lockers and chairs.
CS Magoha further bashed the press for creating confusion on the possible reopening of schools, the CS said the date remains January 2021 but clarified that it is subject to the prevailing circumstances.
“The government’s position on the reopening of middle level colleges and universities has not changed yet,” said Magoha.
The CS, however, added that schools reopening dates solely depends on the Covid-19 infection curve and the preparedness of institutions.
‘’Learning will resume when the Covid -19 infection drops to 5% and remains so for at least 14 days,’’ said Magoha.
Prof Magoha angrily accused the press for portraying him as an indecisive person.
‘’The media has been misinterpreting my statements over resumption of learning and portraying me as a fool in the public eyes,’’ complained Magoha.
Prof Magioha, however, revealed that the government is set to hire 10,000 tutors to relief the burden of extra classes. He added that the government is expected to release Sh15.4 billion to help public schools make the necessary preparations.
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