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TSC teachers to offer community service lessons, BOM teachers to receive perks- CS Magoha says

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Education Cabinet Secretary Prof. George Magoha has said all teachers employed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) will now be enrolled to provide community service lessons. The CS said this on Thursday morning while addressing the media on stakeholder resolutions on reopening of learning institutions in Kenya in the face of the Corona crisis.

“Multi-agency teams (will) map out country to ensure teachers offer community service lessons on values to learners under an arrangement similar to the Nyumba Kumi framework. TSC will issue guidelines on the new plan that will come at no cost to parents.” Said CS Maghoha.

Present at the media briefing was TSC Boss Dr. Nancy Macharia who said the Commission will come up with guidelines on community service learning to be conducted by teachers.

This comes after President Uhuru Kenyatta asked the CS to convene a stake holders’ meeting to chat the way forward on reopening of learning institutions.

Magoha says the Ministry is expected to continue inspecting institutions of learning to ensure they are ready for reopening in January 2021.

He said most colleges and universities are not ready for reopening and will thus remain closed till January 2021. He asked the Universities to continue offering online programmes, including examinations and graduations to students.

The good news for teachers employed by the Boards of Management as the CS affirmed that they will be receiving their perks in coming weeks.

“The Government has set aside funds to pay salaries to Board of Government teachers, security staff and settle utilities,” confirmed the CS.

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TSC News Portal

Teachers now to offer community based lessons- TSC and CS Magoha say

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Education Cabinet Secretary Prof. George Magoha has said all teachers employed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) will now be enrolled to provide community service lessons. The CS said this on Thursday morning while addressing the media on stakeholder resolutions on reopening of learning institutions in Kenya in the face of the Corona crisis.

“Multi-agency teams (will) map out country to ensure teachers offer community service lessons on values to learners under an arrangement similar to the Nyumba Kumi framework. TSC will issue guidelines on the new plan that will come at no cost to parents.” Said CS Maghoha.

Present at the media briefing was TSC Boss Dr. Nancy Macharia who said the Commission will come up with guidelines on community service learning to be conducted by teachers.

This comes after President Uhuru Kenyatta asked the CS to convene a stake holders’ meeting to chat the way forward on reopening of learning institutions.

Magoha says the Ministry is expected to continue inspecting institutions of learning to ensure they are ready for reopening in January 2021.

He said most colleges and universities are not ready for reopening and will thus remain closed till January 2021. He asked the Universities to continue offering online programmes, including examinations and graduations to students.

The good news for teachers employed by the Boards of Management as the CS affirmed that they will be receiving their perks in coming weeks.

“The Government has set aside funds to pay salaries to Board of Government teachers, security staff and settle utilities,” confirmed the CS.

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Latest Education News

Teachers can skip the Community Based Learning Program- CS Magoha

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Teachers will not be forced to attend to the Community Based Learning Program, CBL, after all. Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha has today clarified that payment of the tutors’ salaries is not pegged on their participation in the program.

“The teachers’ participation in the Community Based Learning Programme is not tied to the payment of their monthly salaries,” Says Magoha.

There has been growing concerns over actions that the government may mete on teachers who choose to skip the exercise. The Ministry’s Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Zack Kinuthia was quoted by the media alluding that teachers who skip the exercise will have their salaries stopped. This has, now, been quashed by CS Magoha.

“The Ministry therefore wishes to clarify media reports to the effect that teachers who have yet to enroll for the programme will be denied their monthly salaries,” Magoha adds.

Magoha is at the same urging those who have not enrolled for the exercise to do so without any prejudice.

“We encourage all teachers that have yet to enroll to do so to facilitate the running of the noble programmes,” he urges.

See also; Community Based Learning, CBL, notes, manuals and reference materials for teachers

Teachers are supposed to be engaged within their current areas of residence. By last week, over 200,000 teachers had enrolled for the programme through the local Curriculum Support Officers and TSC Sub County Directors.

According to Magoha, the teachers’ employer ‘has mapped out teachers to be involved under the programme’.

The exercise is expected to be rolled out in coming weeks with learners being attended in local public places and schools. Aach class will consist a maximum of 15 learners. Teachers must ensure full compliance with the Ministry of Health’s guidelines on covid-19.

With Magoha’s recent pronouncement, other teachers may opt to skip the exercise.

Latest Education News

Education CS Prof Magoha’s shocker for private schools’ parents

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Education cabinet secretary Prof. George Magoha has put the record straight concerning school fees payments. The CS was responding to concerns over plea by parents with kids in public schools to reduce school fees once schools reopen. There have also been complains by parents in private schools after they were asked to pay full fees.

While appearing before the Parliamentary Committee on education, the CS said there is no need for parents with kids in public schools.

‘The government pays fees for Tuition and Examination for all Pupils and Students in Primary and Secondary schools, so there is nothing to waive,” the CS said.

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Fees for private schools.

A request by the members of parliament for the ministry to extend free education fee waiver to private school was turned down by the CS.

“It is very difficult that the government still has to extend the money from the exchequer for tuition to private schools too, despite the parents’ choice to leave the free government schools for the private schools. we may need to reconsider this,” Magoha clarified.

Parents with children in an international private school in Nairobi are seeking the court’s intervention over what they term as exorbitant fee demands by private schools. It is Brookhouse school that has majorly faced the wrath of parents who saythey are being forced to meet the full cost of electricity, food, internet, printing assignments, teaching, and supervising children during the current closure as result of the covid-19 pandemic.

BrookHouse international School; one of the leading private school in the country.

The private schools have been running online tuition for learners and asking parents to meet the fee costs. But Education CS George Magoha restates that schools will remain closed till June 4 and that the Government will review the situation before advising the public of the next step regarding the start of second term.

School fees for public schools. Read details here:

School fee charged by Brookhouse school ranges between Sh150,000 and Sh1.5 million per term depending on the class of the learner.

“It is in order for private schools to negotiate with parents the percentage of fees to be paid, so that learning continues and the schools are still functional,” added the CS.

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Universities & Colleges information

Egeton varsity staff to miss up to 40% of salaries

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Egerton university staff face turbulent financial times after their salaries were slashed by the varsity. The pay cut is as a result of the current covid-19 pandemic that has paralyzed learning and other key operations not only in Kenya but also world over. The pandemic that has seen unprecedented job losses is now threatening to eat into workers’ salaries.

The university’s  Vice Chancellor Rose Mwonya now says the university will not be able to pay all its employees their full April and subsequent month’s salaries.

“Due to Covid-19 pandemic that has affected the whole country, Egerton University is not able to generate enough funds internally to be able to pay salaries for the month of April 2020. This might continue for a while during the pandemic period,” Says the vice chancellor in a memo.

According to the memo, workers in lower cadres will continue receiving their full salaries while those in higher job grades will face a pay cut of up to 40%. In a quick rejoinder, though, the university promises to pay the arrears in future.

“Staff in grade 1-4 will receive their full 100% net salaries as indicated in their payslips. Staff in grade 5-19 will receive 60% of their net salaries as indicated in their respective payslips. The balance of 40% will be paid as soon as funds are available,” she adds.

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Public universities largely depend on funding from the national government to run their operations. Other major sources of income include students’ fees and the Higher Education Loans Board, helb.

The covid-19 pandemic has seen prolonged closure of learning institutions; since mid-March when the first case was reported in the country. The Education ministry is mulling the next course of action and has already constituted a committee of stakeholders to come up with proposals on how to safely reopen the learning institutions.

The committee dubbed ‘National Covid-19 Education Response Committee’ has already kicked off its operations and Kenyans have one week to make their submissions.

It is not only the universities that are facing challenges in paying their employees. Schools haven’t been spared either and in fact some have sent their staff on unpaid leaves. Public schools, just like universities, get most of their funding from the government and students’ fees.

KNEC News Portal

Release of KCSE 2020 results- CS Magoha issues a statement

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Education Cabinet Secretary Professor George Magoha has issued a statement on the release of the 2020 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations. Speaking at he Starehe Boys Centre and School in Nairobi, the CS said the marking of the examination is complete. The CS said results will be out in due course. See the full statement below;

STATUS OF THE KCSE 2020 RESULTS

“The marking exercise for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) Examination that started three weeks ago has officially ended today.

I take this opportunity to thank all the dedicated examiners and a committed team of Ministry of Education and Teachers Service Commission officials who worked tirelessly to ensure this exercise, which took place in 35 centres countrywide, was executed well.

I also wish to thank the Ministry of Interior and Co ordination of National Government, headed by CS Dr. Fred Matiang‘i, for providing security to the teachers and examination scripts during the marking exercise and the Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs, headed by CS Joe Mucheru for providing competent Data entry personnel.

We must not forget the excellent services provided by all Principals who organised the examination marking at all the centres. Our decision to increase the number of marking centres this year enabled us to comply with the social distancing requirements in line with the Ministry of Health guidelines.

Over the next couple of days, we will move to the next level of processing the outputs of te just concluded marking exercise with the hope that we will release the KCSE Examination results as soon as possible.

See also; How to receive KCSE 2020/201 results via KNEC SMS code and download results for all candidates

OPENING FOR THE THIRD TERM OF THE 2020 SCHOOL CALENDAR 

As you are aware, His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta announced on May 1, 2021 that the opening of schools for the Third Term of the 2020 Academic Calendar will go on as scheduled.

I, therefore, wish to affirm that all primary and secondary schools will open on Monday, May 10th, 2021 forn the Third Term, which will run to July 16th, 2021. 

Learners expected to report to their schools are those in PP1 and PP2, Grade 1 3, Standard 5 – 7 and Form 1 to Form 3. 

I wish to emphasize that Grade Four learners will remain at home until July 26th, 202 when schools will open for the First Term of the 2021 Academic Calendar. This is necessary because the Grade Four learners were part of the first batch of learners who reopened in the first case of the phased resumption of learning after the COVID–19 closure in October 2020.

We have received reports that some private schools are planning to recall Grade Four learners together with other groups that are expected to open on Monday. Such schools must stop this plan and allow all public and private learning institutions to adhere to the stipulated calendar.

SCHOOL FEES CAPITATION MONIES

Stern action will be taken against schools that reopen for Grade Four candidates. The Grade Four learners must be allowed to study at home until they join Grade 5 on July 26, 2021. 

The Government has released Ksh.7.5 billion to secondary schools ahead of the schools reopening. We have also made a request to the National Treasury for the release of a further Ksh.13 billion for the secondary schools and Ksh.2.8 billion for primary schools.

We therefore hope that schools will be adequately prepared to put in place measures to adhere to the Ministry of Health COVID–19 protocols.

The Ministry has already released a circular to all field officers to ensure that all schools are ready to accept learners on Monday and that they are all prepared to comply with the Ministry of Health‘s COVID–19 measures.

Latest Education News

Our online education programmes are not meant to replace teachers but compliment their work- KICD now says

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Teachers play a pivotal role in curriculum delivery and can not be replaced by online educational programmes. These are sentiments held by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development, KICD. This is relation to queries raised over the suitability of the online programmes and if they can indeed be a possible replacement of physical teaching at school.

But, the KICD has come clear saying teachers’ work can not easily be replaced by online delivered lessons.

“The alternative curriculum delivery modes are not meant to replace the teacher but to compliment the work of a teacher,” KICD clarifies.

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Various stake holders have been raising concern over the uptake (by learners) of the online lessons that are being run by the KICD. A number of  educational programmes  have been developed by KICD to support learners while at home; as schools continue to be shutdown to curb spread of the deadly Corona virus disease. The programmes are run on a daily basis via radio, television, YouTube and Kenya Education Cloud (KEC).

Amani National Congress, ANC, party leader Musalia Mudavadi says the assertions by the Education Ministry that (online) learning is ongoing are misleading.

“We have heard government officials say that learning is going on, online. They have also said that national examinations will go on, as was scheduled at the start of the year. We don’t know of any packages of measures that the ministry has made for parents, teachers and learners to facilitate, equalize and monitor home learning. Without clearly defined and equitable state-owned and state-facilitated learning packages, it is misleading and even mischievous to claim that learning is going on. It is not,” says Mudavadi.

“Not every learner has access to radio or TV and less still to the internet. Even those who can physically access these facilities are challenged with the COSTS of activating them. Let us not cheat ourselves,” he adds.

This is how and where one can access digital content on the Kenya Education Cloud https://kec.ac.ke

While, noting that the said programmes are only meant to supplement work done by teachers, KICD says the programmes are more suitable especially now that learners can’t go to school as a result of the ‘Stay at Home’ order.

“The programmes are not meant to match what a teacher does does in class but to add value to the learners’ quest for konwledge, skills (and) values while at home. In this situation where most learners have no direct access to the teacher, the interactive radio and e-learning lessons are the available curriculum delivery modes, especially in the condition of ‘stay at home’,” KICD explains.

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Latest Education News

Nemis data for form ones and new learners deleted: Education news

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Data for some form ones on the National Education Management Information System, Nemis, has been erased by mistake. This is after a technical hitch was experienced at the portal that stores all primary school and secondary school learners’ information, in Kenya. The erasure does not only affect the 2020 form ones but also new comers in some schools.

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“We had registered over 200 students on the system. But, the system shows that we now have zero form ones. Uploading data into this system was a herculean task. We had to trans night so as to beat set deadlines,” says a teacher whose school’s Nemis data had been deleted.

SEE ALSO;
DATA TO BE RESTORED.

The ministry officials had promised to sort out the mess by Monday.

Screenshot showing that Nemis data for this school is missing; for their form ones.

The government uses the crucial data on Nemis to disburse fees capitation for learners in all public schools. The data is also used for the medical insurance scheme for learners that is provided by the National Hospital Insurance Fund, NHIF. Further, details on Nemis are used to identify participants during co-curricular activities championships.

It is a mandatory requirement that all learners be captured on Nemis. But, in some cases the process of enlisting the learners has been hampered by lack of birth certificates for some of them. Those seeking transfers away from their current schools must get approval through a process that encompasses use of the system.

Latest Education News

We will not postpone KCSE, KCPE exams over the Corona virus pandemic- CS Magoha insists

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Education Cabinet Secretary Prof. George Magoha has said the 2020 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) and Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examinations will not be postponed. Addressing the media today ,during the daily updates session on the Corona virus pandemic in the country, the CS said the exams will go on as scheduled; as not so much learning time has been lost, so far. He said by the time schools were closed, ten weeks of first term had been covered.

“My children are enjoying their holiday. We cannot risk their lives. We have worked on a backup plan and we shall not postpone exams,” he said.

On reopening of schools, the CS said such a decision would be arrived at depending on the status of the Covid-19 pandemic. “Dead people do not take exams. The question of whether schools shall open on 1st May as planned depends on how COVID-19 crisis shapes up. Let no one tell you we shall postpone exams. Don’t get pressure over nothing. We have several scenarios” CS  Magoha said.

According to the 2020 time tables from the Kenya National Examinations Council KCSE exams will commence on Monday November 2, 2020 to Wednesday November 25, 2020. The exam period shall last for eighteen (18) days.

The teachers’ unions have been calling for the postponement of the examinations.

The CS reported that learners who are engaged in teachings learning activities via various digital platforms.
“We are carrying on with online learning for our children who are at home,” he added.

The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development, KICD, is running daily radio and Television lessons to learners across the country; with major concern being on accessibility by intended learners.

This comes even as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to ravage the country.

CS Magoha did not disclose the plans that his Ministry has put in place concerning administration of this year’s national exams. But, possible plans by the Ministry of Education could see reopening of schools only for the candidate classes (Class 8 and form 4).

Knec has already postponed diploma and certificate exams; in line with the President’s directive for closure of all learning institutions.

Latest Education News

Education Ministry releases free education funds to schools; Here is the amount released and what BOM teachers get

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The Ministry of education has finally released free education funds to all public schools in the country. The funds for tranche 2 disbursement had been withheld due to the current prolonged closure of all learning institutions; as a result of the covid-19 pandemic.

The ministry used data for learners registered with NEMIS (national education management information system). Each secondary school learner got Sh3,725 in the latest disbursement.

The funds were deposited in the schools’ operations accounts between August 3 and 5, 2020; with no disbursement for the tuition account.

Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha confirmed that indeed the funds have hit schools’ accounts.

“All the requisite funds have already been released to schools. Therefore, it is expected that the support staff will continue receiving their wages.” He told Legislators last week.

Magoha said the funds will be used to pay teachers working on Board of Management terms and Sub-ordinate staff; who have gone for 5 months without salaries.

“The Government has set aside sufficient funds to pay Board of Management teachers, non-teaching staff; including security men and women to ensure proper maintenance and safety in schools,” he explained.

In total each learner in all public schools receives Sh22,244 per year under the government’s Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) program. Of this Sh9,400 goes into operations including Personal Emoluments (Salaries and wages for BOM staff).

 TABLE SHOWING THE FDSE Structure

S/NO. ITEM AMOUNT (KES)
1 Tuition 4,144.00
2 Medical/ Insurance 2,000.00
3 Activity 1,500.00
4 SMASSE 200.00
5 Other Vote Heads 9,400.00
6 Maintenance and Improvement 5,000.00
7 Grand Total 22,244.00

Other vote heads: local travel and transport, Administration, Electricity, Personnel emolument.

BOM TEACHERS, STAFF GIVEN A RAW DEAL BY SCHOOLS

In related news, schools have embarked on the process of paying BOM teachers and staff. A spot check showed that most schools had only opted to pay part of the July salaries; writing off the unpaid balances.

“My monthly salary is Sh12,000. But, I have just received a pay of Sh5,500 only. Attempts to reach the Principal have been futile with his phone either going unanswered or off,” said one of the affected teachers but, who sought anonymity for fear of being victimized.

At Arnesen’s High School, the BOM teachers have been told that they will only be paid part of their August, 2020 salaries.

“Subject to a BOM meeting held on August 4, 2020 it was decided that you will be paid half salary in August, 2020,” says the memo at our disposal.

“From September 1, 2020 you will proceed on unpaid leave until such a time when the Ministry gives further instructions on reopening (dates) of schools,” the memo goes on to say.

See also; BOM teachers’ salaries; Why CS Magoha’s latest response is a bane for BOM teachers

It is not clear on whether schools should pay all arrears, owed to the BOM staff, using the just disbursed funds. Apart from paying salaries and wages, the funds in the operations account are also used to meet local and transport, administration and electricity expenses.

Disbursement of capitation to schools will done in the ratio 50:30:20; for term 1, 2 and 3 respectively.

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Latest Education News

CS Magoha’s full statement on reopening of schools as he received the Covid-19 education response committee report

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Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha on Friday received an interim report of the Education Covid-19 Response Committee at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development, KICD. While receiving the report CS Magoha said reopening of schools will not be a switch-on-switch off affair; it will be cautious, methodical and based on data, evidence from ⁦the Ministry of Health.

Here is the full address by CS Magoha;

“INTERIM REPORT OF THE COVID-19 NATIONAL EDUCATION RESPONSE COMMITTEE

“On May 12th 2020, the Ministry of Education appointed the COVID-19 National Education Response Committee to advise the Cabinet Secretary on the most prudent steps to be
taken to ensure a return to normality in the basic education sector in the face of the Coronavirus crisis.

“Upon appointing the Committee, the team was advised to work with speed to submit an interim report to the Cabinet Secretary as part of the evidence upon which the Government will make further decisions regarding the extended school closure. The current one month extension to the school re-opening dates is set to end on June 4th 2020.

“The Committee has today presented the Interim Report to the Cabinet Secretary with various proposals on possible mitigation measures that, if put in place, will ensure the
health and safety of learners in schools once they are re-opened. The Ministry will review the report before advising the country on the steps to be taken regarding the academic
calendar, and the level of preparedness that will be required of all stakeholders involved in the running of ECD centres, primary and secondary schools, and teacher training institutions.

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“The Ministry wishes to note that the COVID-19 situation obtaining during the time when the Committee collected views from all stakeholders has sharply changed this week when the infection rates have hit three digit figures. Further, the Ministry of Health has projected that the rates of COVID-19 infections are likely to hit a peak in August September 2020. The Ministry takes these projections seriously, especially in view of the fact that more than 350 of our schools are currently designated as quarantine and isolation centres.

“The import of this is that Kenyans should be aware that painful but necessary decisions will be made based on data and evidence provided by the Ministry of Health from time to time. All stakeholders should, therefore, be prepared to face the reality of a likely extended closure of our schools given that the Government will never sacrifice the health of our children at the expense of an education that can wait to be offered at a later time when the safety and health of children can be guaranteed.

“Henceforth, the Ministry will focus on coming up with strong mitigation measures that will be required in schools once they reopen based on the recommendations of the Committee and those provided by the Ministry of Health. As such, the Ministry will desist from focusing on school reopening dates and instead give priority to putting in place solid mitigation measures for the sector ecosystem.

“The Ministry recognizes that the process of reopening schools will not be a switch-on switch-off affair, but rather a carefully thought out and methodical process that must guarantee the safety and health of all learners, teachers and staff.
The Ministry plans to table some of these proposals before the National Emergency Response Committee this weekend to ensure further consultations to inform the making of a decision regarding the current one month school extension of schools, which expires on June 4th, 2020. These consultations will also take into consideration the fact that the current Government restrictions announced by His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta will expire on June 6th, 2020.

“Going forward, the Ministry wishes to urge parents, guardians and care givers to continue providing guidance to their children as they learn from home, including supervising their studies through the broadcast, online and digital learning currently being provided through the Kenya Institute for Curriculum Development. Parental engagement is extremely fundamental to ensure all-round development of our children during this period more than ever before.

“The Ministry will update the country from time-to-time on the current situation regarding the education sector based on the advice of the Ministry of Health. In doing so, the Ministry wishes to categorically state that all decisions will be made while giving priority to the health and safety of learners, teachers and other school staff.”

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Universities & Colleges information

Education ministry circular on reopening of universities: See finer details

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  The ministry of education has issued fresh guidelines on how universities shall be reopened following closure in March; to combat spread of covid 19. According to the latest guidelines, all universities are expected to resume operations in September this year. It is expected that by that time the rate of infections would have gone down.

  “The ministry of education in collaboration with other government agencies is working on the modalities of reopening all institutions of learning. Modelling projections by the ministry of health on when the peak of infections is projected to be in August/ September, and therefore, it is expected that fewer cases will be reported after September 2020.” reads a circular by the Principal Secretary for State Department for University Education Amb. Simon Nabukwesi and dated June 17, 2020.

  The PS has also directed universities to develop elaborate plans ahead of the reopening. In the plans, there should be measures to prevent spread of covid 19 transmissions. Top on the list of requirements is provision of clean running water and soap for hand washing and sanitizers for all students at all times.

  The universities should also ensure social distancing and that everybody should be compelled to wear masks.

   “Universities will ensure that all learners lecturers and non-teaching staff have masks. The universities may provide these at a subsidized rate to students and staff,” he adds.

   At all entry points to the universities, the ministry has directed that there be thermo guns for monitoring body temperature of all persons entering the the institutions.

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   Students and staff who may not be able to travel back to the universities should be accorded necessary support; including online learning for the students.

   “Universities are to ensure that contingency plans are provided for those students who might need assistance to get back to their institutions,” Nabukwesi directs.

   Further, universities shall now cease being used as isolation centres so as to sanitize/ fumigate them before operations resume.

   “Institutions whose facilities are still, currently, being used for isolation, quarantine or as treatment centres are supposed to liaise with ministry of health to cease any further admissions and to transfer the patients to MoH (Ministry of Health) facilities,” Says the PS.

   The institutions of higher learning are expected to have a crunch program to accommodate both the continuing students and first year year students.

   Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha has been traversing the country to see preparedness of schools ahead of the September reopening date. Top in his mission is to find out if schools have adequate supply of clean water.

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TSC News Portal

Schools reopening coming soon as TSC gives reopening instructions to Heads and Principals

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Preparations for schools’ reopening are in top gear if the current circular by the Teachers Service Commission, TSC, is anything to go by. The teachers’ employer has asked school Heads and Principals to report to schools and lay ground for reopening.

“Monitoring on preparedness of school for reopening due to covid 19 pandemic is ongoing,” reads a circular by TSC to all principals and head teachers.

“All Principals and Head teachers are expected to be present in their institutions and work closely with BOMs (Boards of Management) in the establishment of all protocols required for reopening of schools,” adds the Commission in the circular dated September 7, 2020.

Schools will be required to ensure that guidelines given by the Ministry of Education to control spread of corona virus disease are adhered to. See the guidelines here; Reopening of schools- Education Ministry releases final reopening process.

The schools will be expected to form school reopening preparedness committees with immediate effect. Such committees will in turn convene urgent meetings to plan for school reopening. This will be done in collaboration with immediate school neighbors and other stake holders.

Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha has given strong indications that schools may reopen in November. But, this will only happen if the infection curve continues to drop or flatten out. In his plan, that is yet to be made public, schools may have a phased reopening; by allowing form fours and class eight learners to reopen first.

A meeting of all stake holders, to chat the way forward, is scheduled for September 14, 2020.

SOME TVETs ARE READY FOR REOPENING

According to the CS, only three Technical and Vocational Colleges (Eldoret, Nyeri Polytechnic and Rift Valley Institute) were ready for reopening by close of last week.

An agitated Magoha blamed other institutions for exhibiting lukewarm preparations.

“About 50 per cent of the institutions are on a trajectory towards reopening. What has annoyed me is that this is the sixth week, yet we have to keep on saying the same things over and over. Once we are ready we will allow students to sit their exams,”the CS told the media last week.

Education CS Prof. George Magoha tours Meru and Nyeri county to inspect National Polytechnics in readiness to reopening the Institutions amid Covid-19 Pandemic.The CS is pleased with many institutions across the country for their efforts prepare for reopening of the institutions.

FINAL YEAR MEDICAL STUDENTS ALLOWED BACK TO CLASS

Magoha has at the same time allowed final year medical students to resume physical classes. Via a circular sent to the nine universities that offer training in medicine, the CS more medical personnel were required to tackle the covid 19 pandemic and that this can be achieved by having the students graduating.

“In light of the Covid-19 situation which has precipitated an urgent need to train and assess medical students to support the dearth inadequate healthcare personnel to fight the pandemic, consideration has been given to the request for face-to-face learning and assessment of medical students. This is further informed by a physical inspection of facilities to ascertain the level of preparedness for the resumption of face-to-face learning.” Read the Circular, in part, by CS Magoha.

The circular goes on to instruct universities on what to do in case of an outbreak of covid 19 occurs.

“The University must manage any suspected Covid-19 cases affecting their students in their isolation and quarantine facilities awaiting results. The decision of home-based care or hospital management must be in accordance with Ministry of Health guidelines and protocols,” adds the circular that was sent to the Universities on Monday.

The move by CS Magoha has stirred a storm. On Tuesday September 8, 2020, Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua criticized the decision by Education CS George Magoha to only reopen medical schools for face to face learning.

“If medical students can be recalled then all students can be recalled!” she demanded.

Latest Education News

Education Cabinet Secretary, Prof. Magoha, sends this message to parents

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Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha has implored parents and guardians to strengthen Parental Empowerment and Engagement with the children to encourage them in life.

Speaking at a handover ceremony of  NG-CDF infrastructure worth 28 million shillings to the Government at Kiuu River Secondary school , the CS noted that Parental empowerment was the most important portion of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). It is one of the guiding principles of the Basic Education Curriculum Framework that cannot be ignored in the current education system.

He regretted that some parents and guardians could not assist their children with home work on the pretext that they did not go to school. “Even me my mother did not go to school but she was able to parent me properly while guiding me throughout my life so that I am who I am today” said the CS

“My mother cooked ugali as I watched and as she guided me, I was able to do exactly that which I can do to my family. Do you see how I look like? He posed to the amusement of the invited guests.

He advised the parents to create time for their children and share with them basic ideas which would assist them perfect their inborn talents.

Magoha lauded the role of ACK St. Peters church elders and the community and praised them for recognizing the need for a secondary school in the area given that the nearest one at that time in 2014 was five kilometers away which he said was a long distance for young children to walk.

Parents play a significant role in the overall development and growth of the family. The extended family and community in a traditional society play a crucial role in the education of children. Nonetheless, the condition has changed in contemporary society.

Most parents are less likely to be engaged in their children’s parenting and learning processes because of a variety of factors that the CS said should be addressed for the good of the child.

“I urge parents to be close to your children. Spend at least 30 minutes with your child, listen and advise them. Parents who are involved have a positive effect on the learner’s overall growth in moral and religious values, academic achievements, and appropriate career options” said Prof. Magoha.

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He noted that when parents accepted to play their role effectively, they ended up developing a fruitful partnership to promote children’s learning. He also added that the teachers and parents should conceptualize CBC to local areas and with things and activities that can be found locally

He further highlighted that from the National Treasury’s Allocation to infrastructure, Kiambu county schools have been allocated 306,500,000 shillings between 2018/2019 and 2020/2021 FY. This is indeed a worthwhile and massive investment in the county’s schools that will help improve access and quality of education in this county.

“The Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) is a legacy that H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta wants to leave behind. ”and major stakeholders should similarly embrace it for the sake of the children.

The Kenyan government has continued to invest heavily in education which is meticulously interlinked with the economy.

It is important that the leadership of this country recognize this integral position and are aligning the national and economic development with those of education so as to prepare the toddlers from an early age.

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Besides equipping Kenyan children with the competencies needed to excel in the 21st century. CBC will empower Kenyans to be better citizens, the Head of State said during the unveiling of a task force report dubbed ‘Enhancing Access, Relevance, and Quality for Effective Curriculum Reforms Implementation’ that was launched on 9th February 2021.

“The purpose of the new system of ‘Learning to Learn’ is to allow our children to explore, innovate and unshackle their minds from the old and rigid molds of learning. This way they will be able to exploit their imagination, creativity, solve problems, use critical thinking, apply digital literacy and feel a sense of civic duty as citizens,” the President noted.

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TSC seeks to recruit 5,000 teachers and 10,000 interns as shortage hit the 50,000 mark

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The Teachers Service Commission, TSC, is planning to recruit an additional 5,000 teachers on permanent and pensionable terms. This is according to the commission boss Dr. Nancy Macharia. While appearing before the National Assembly’s Education Committee on Tuesday, Dr. Macharia said the teachers’ employer will require close to Sh1.2 billion in the 2020/2021 financial year to recruit the teachers so as to close the teething staff shortages experienced in public schools.

She said part of the money will be required to recruit 10,000 more teachers on internship. There are currently over 10,000 intern teachers who were recruited during the 2019/ 2020 financial year.

This comes as the commission reports that the country is facing a shortage of about 50,000 teachers. A situation that has greatly overburdened the available tutors. According to Dr. Macharia, primary schools require 48,173 more teachers to address the shortage. There are 211,046 primary school teachers currently out of the required number of 259,219.

Garissa, West Pokot, Wajir and Narok counties headline the list of counties with the highest staff shortages. A closer look at this list shows that most of these areas are largely hardship areas.

Nairobi, Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Uasin Gishu, Nyeri, Nyandarua, Murang’a, Meru, Isiolo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Embu and Kiambu counties are more comfortable in terms of meeting their staffing needs.

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TVETs require over Sh6 billion.

The commission is at the same time seeking about Sh500 million to be used by its field operations to facilitate its officers.

“Field officers play a key role in ensuring maintenance of teaching standards through regular monitoring and quality assurance at the school level,” Dr. Macharia told Legislators this past Tuesday.

On his part, Education Cabinet Secretary says the ministry is in need of Sh429 million to mitigate the effects of covid-19 in the sector. Prof. Magoha says part of the funds will be utilize in buying sanitizers, soaps, masks and carry out covid-19 tests for staff and students in the various Technical and Vocational Education and Training, TVET, institutions in the country.

The CS, while appearing before the National Assembly’s Education Committee on Tuesday, sought for an additional Sh6.6 billion shillings. Of this amount, Sh3.8 billion will be used in catering for needs of the projected 300,000 new numbers of TVET students. There are currently 173,000 students studying in the TVETS countrywide. The remaining Sh2.8 billion is to be directed towards recruitment of an additional 3,674 TVBETs tutors.

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