Cabinet Secretary for Education George Magoha has announced that schools will remain closed for an extended period pushing the reopening date from August 11, to August 15.
Magoha said the decision by the government was made owing to the ongoing tallying of ballots that went beyond the allotted time, making it impractical for learning institutions to re-open before the Election process was complete.
“We have been informed that the process of tallying ballots may still be ongoing on the aforementioned date, therefore, following further consultations, I hereby convey the Government’s decision that basic institutions will re-open on Monday, August 15.
In the press release dated Wednesday, August 10, the Education CS apologised for any inconvenience resulting from the changes and reassured Kenyans the decision was in the best interest of students.
“We apologise for any inconvenience occasioned by these changes and ask for your indulgence, as we work through ensuring the safety and comfort of learners through this period,” Magoha said.
The delay in tallying is likely owing to technical hiccups and delays in the voting process as well as reports of some irregularities in certain regions, with Mombasa, and Kakamega seemingly the most affected.
The failure of 200 IEBC KIEMS kits in some polling stations and the postponement and delays are lileky contributors to the prolonged process.
Observers have noted there was generally peaceful voting except for some isolated incidences of violence in some parts of the country.
