Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha yesterday directed boarding schools to avail more boarding facilities.
He said this will enhance the implementation of social distancing rules to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in schools when education resumes.
“We have to increase physical space, you will find two or three double beds carrying six children. If we apply the social distancing rules only two will be accommodated,” said CS Magoha.
Boarding schools in the country make up about 35% of schools. With nearly three-quarters of them being private schools.
The move is aimed at reducing bed capacities in overcrowded schools, and creating more space.
He was speaking on Monday during the opening COVID-19 virtual conference that brought together stakeholders to reflect on the country’s response to the pandemic.
The Ministry of Education has put in place guidelines in readiness for school resumption with the CS saying that students will have to wear masks all the time.
There were hints that these face masks would be made through the National Youth Service, in order to alleviate the cost of masks from parents.
Also, running water and increased handwashing points will have to be created in order to uphold the handwashing principle.
County Development Funds will be used to upgrade government schools, and ensure that the measures are in place when normalcy resumes.
