Cabinet secretary for education Prof. Magoha has said that private schools and institutions of higher learning can charge for the teaching that they are offering online. Addressing the media today during the daily briefs on coronavirus by the ministry of Health, Magoha said that private schools have the freedom to charge parents for the teaching that is happening online.
Schools and colleges in Kenya were closed prematurely for the first term between 16th and 20th February 2020 when president Kenyatta gave the directive during his address to the nation.
He also said this year’s KCPE and KCSE examinations would go on as planned. “My children are enjoying their holiday, we cannot risk their lives. We have worked on a backup plan and we shall not postpone the exams,” he said.
His message comes at a time the teachers unions have been calling the government to postpone the national examinations arguing that teachers have not been able complete the required syllabus.
A spot check by ShopaXo shows that most schools especially private ones have been offering lessons via online platforms such as YouTube, WhatsApp, and school websites, though the teachers unions argue that this is disadvantaging learners from poor backgrounds. These efforts to assist learners study from home are also being supplemented by the government who are airing content on Radio and TV.
Already KNEC has already postponed the diploma and certificate examinations following the directive by the president to close schools and colleges.
Meanwhile the number of coronavirus cases in Kenya passed the 200 mark reaching 208. According to the CS for Health, 11 new cases were discovered from the test done yesterday, with rural counties being now at risk.
Mandera country registered four cases today putting it as a new hotspot besides Nairobi and the Coast region. Mombasa registered three cases, Nairobi two while Nakuru and Machakos had one case each.
