Magoha Calls for Schools Closure, Areas Pending Elections

Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha on Tuesday announced the closure of schools on August 29th Monday as elections are conducted in the various places that saw a postponement.

He has specified that mainly boarding schools can continue with their schedules as normal while the day schools stay closed for electioneering operations as they resume studies on Tuesday 30^th August after completion.

“The IEBC has announced elections on 29th and we understand most schools are required as tallying centers. Tallying centers that may be required for more than one day should be taken to tertiary institutions. However, children in day schools will remain at home on 29th and report the following day. Boarding schools acting like tallying centers will not be closed,” said Prof. Magoha.

Elections that were postponed include the Governorship elections in Mombasa, Kakamega, the Members of National Assembly polls; in Kitui Rural Constituency (Kitui County), Kacheliba Constituency (West Pokot County), Pokot South Constituency (West Pokot County), and Rongai Constituency (Nakuru County) and the Member of County Assembly Wards in; Kwa Njenga (Embakasi South Constituency – Nairobi County) and Nyaki West (North Imenti Constituency – Meru County).

CS Magoha offered guidelines to which the schools are to follow after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on Monday announced August 29 as the new date for the earlier rescheduled elections.

The Education CS further urged principals and headmasters on the need to desist from sending students home for school fees citing a tight schedule to beat the school calendar after breaks.

“As a country, we are going through a difficult time. We must support our children as we get into a very tight schedule. I appeal to the teachers who are still sending students home because of fees. They should stop,” he added.

Emphasizes the concern of some students missing out due to the tight conditions both at home and being sent away from school which leave them with no alternative but to miss out on their studies.