Principal Secretary University Education and Research Amb. Simon Nabukwesi has encouraged learners in grade 4 and exam candidates in class 8 and Form 4 to continue with their studies without having fears of the covid-19 pandemic.
The PS told learners that “the corona virus pandemic is already here with us but learning in schools has to continue since you are better and useful being in school rather than staying at home.”
He added, “we at the Ministry are concerned about your safety while in school and that is why we are ensuring you have sufficient desks to enable you keep the social distance required as one of the protocols of avoiding contracting covid-19.”
Amb. Nabukwesi was speaking in Bungoma County during his visit to Bungoma High School and Bukunjangabo Primary School.
He thanked the teachers for their determination in continuing to teach and encourage them not to have any fears so that the candidates are able to sit for the national examination scheduled for March Next year.
Amb. Nabukwesi also said the Government was looking into possibilities of reopening learning for the other learners in form 1, 2 and 3 and classes 5, 6 and 7.
The State Department of University Education PS also visited several workshops within Bungoma, Vihiga, Kakamega, Webuye and Mt Elgon Sub-Counties to ascertain that the locally assembled desks were being produced according to the required Government specifications before they were inspected and delivered to the respective schools.
The government has set aside Sh1.9 billion under the Economic Stimulus Programme for the supply of the locally assembled desks and chairs to public primary and secondary schools countrywide.
Amb. Nabukwesi assured the Jua Kali artisans who were awarded tenders in the area that the government would pay them for producing the desks upon delivery to the schools for which they got the tender to supply them.
By Christine Oduogi
