We don’t intend to postpone National Exams, says CS Magoha

The Cabinet
Secretary for Education Pro. George Magoha has said that the ministry does not
intend to postpone National Exams over COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking on
Monday, during state of coronavirus address at Afia House Nairobi, CS Magoha
said his ministry is working hard to see children continue with learning, even
as they stay at home.

“It’s 10
weeks now since we closed our learning institutions. We are not in a stage to
say we will postpone exams. We do not see any reason at all,” said Prof.
Magoha.

The CS added
that online learning programs continue and children are safe at home.

“The
ministry initiated online programs which are ongoing. We have had problems for
those not able to access the internet but we are working to solve it,” the CS
said.

Asked when
schools should be projected to open, Magoha said the ministry will communicate
in due time, since most of the premises are being used as quarantine centres.

“We depend
on CS Mutahi and the medical experts, whose work has been exemplary, to give us
the way forward,” said Magoha.

He also
cleared the air on some schools alleged to have sent messages to parents demanding
fees for the online content offers.

“It is
illegal for any school to demand pay for the online content. This is content offered
by the ministry of education and is free for all children,” said Prof. Magoha.

However, he
affirmed the move by private schools, which could have offered own content, in
order to get funds to pay teachers.

“For private
schools, who offer their own content online it is possible for them to charge,”
he affirmed.

The CS
lauded the ministry of health efforts in the fight against COVID-19, urging
parents and children across the country to observe the set rules and
guidelines, including staying at home and maintaining social distance, to curb
the spread of the virus.