Schools to close for a day during ward poll

By Lydia Ngoolo (Education News Kenya — https://educationnews.co.ke/news/schools-to-close-for-a-day-during-ward-poll)

Schools will remain closed in Kitise-Kithuki ward on Thursday during the wards’ by-election. There are 10,380 registered voters with 31 polling stations.

The by-election has attracted seven candidates seeking to replace the former MCA who resigned and secured another role in Makueni county assembly.

Speaking when he held a public baraza at Chiefs camp in Kitise shopping centre,  Makueni county commissioner Mohammed Maalim said election is national exercise as well and that’s why they considered closing schools for that particular day alone. 

“Many polling stations and tallying centres are in schools. We found it better for learners to pave way only for that day. We are considering Covid-19 protocols as well. I urge the voters to go home and wait for results after casting their votes since we won’t allow congestion,” said Maalim.

Makueni County IEBC manager Aisha Mohammed said they will enforce all Covid-19 protocols. She added they have excluded five schools since they are boarding institutions . The polling centres moved to chiefs camp and churches around those areas.