Education analysts are grappling with possible scenarios of reopening schools for candidate classes. The move follows logistical concerns over the postponement of the exams that normally begin in October of every year.
One of the options is to screen all the candidates and their teachers once the current isolation period ends towards the end of April.
With the freeze in international travel and the curfew measures instituted by the Government, all Corona cases will have fully blown by then, making it possible to introduce piecemeal learning in schools.
The Kenyan education curriculum is such that syllabuses are completed by the end of the third term for Form Fours and Standard Seven for Primary schools.
Postponement of the exams will disadvantage the Kenyan education system and give advantage to the British curriculum as currently constituted.
President Uhuru Kenyatta last week launched a partnership with Google to fast truck availability of internet as an alternative source of learning.
Media, and specifically the KBC have played a key role in streaming education materials, in conjunction with the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development(KICD).
The COVID 19 crisis will hit the school and university calendar massively after stakeholders expressed misgivings over remedial e-classes.
KUPPET, a key stakeholder wants the exams postponed altogether, without giving possible dates for the new exam calendar.
Secretary-General Akelo Misori says the current environment is poisonous for exams administration and wants the Ministry of Education and KNEC compelled to withhold the tests.
He says there is rampant anxiety in the education system…and that the reality on the ground makes it unrealistic to administer an evaluation system as important as an examination.
Schools were closed for 30 days last month vide a Presidential order…conservative estimates over the Coronavirus indicate that the earliest schools can open is July …disrupting the calendar completely.
The Government may, however, be forced to open schools for candidates alone…and maintain the social distance necessary…
Universities have not been spared either. Most campuses are administering learning through their internet platforms and Watsup groups…and the students are resisting.
So what are the options now for candidates?
Secondary Schools
Screen all candidates and teacher for Covid, distribute ten per well-ventilated class, place those with pre-existing conditions in better-ventilated halls.
Provide each student with a sanitizer and place washing equipment at strategic places in the school compound.
Primary Schools
Chiefs, assistant chiefs and Boards of Management to supervise the movement of candidates. Ensure they are walked to and from school in rural areas.
In Urban areas, abolish school transport to avoid unnecessary contact where possible, create boarding facilities to aid learning.