Various stakeholders in the education sector have united and urged the government to revise the term calendar.
They are requesting the government to either add an extra week to the term or by lower school fees, to give parents and guardians some time to prepare themselves financially before the start of yet another term on September 26, 2022.
After an extended mid-term vacation brought on by the acrimonious political campaigns and the General Election process, students resumed learning yesterday.
Due to a packed school calendar, leraners missed out on critical learning time by taking an early holiday four days earlier than originally planned. The learners also resumed four days later than formerly planned.
“Schools were to open on August 11, but this was pushed to August 18. Our appeal is that the school calendar be extended or if it is not possible, they reduce the school fees,” said Nicholas Maiyo, the chairperson of the National Parents Association.
Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha ruled out any extension of the term dates on Wednesday saying national exams will carry on as scheduled in November.
When visiting schools in Kiambu County, CS Magoha was optimistic that students will continue learning.
“Our children are extremely resilient. Quite a number of them had completed their syllabuses. They have enough time to revise and their safety is of importance,” the CS said.
“Since we are in a difficult transition period, let us hope that everything will go on well and that there will be no other interference with the school calendar. Should there be need in this case, (referring to a possible presidential election re-run in case it is petitioned and the Supreme Court overturns the electoral body declaration), there will be wide consultations,” Magoha stated.
Yesterday, parents demonstrated against the countrywide hike in matatu costs as they took their children back to school. The transportation sector increased prices in excess of Sh300 to various destinations.
The parents’ association requested assurances from governmental agencies regarding the security of children as they return to various learning centres.
“This morning, we have fewer children in town which is not normal, but we anticipate that tomorrow, more will be traveling back to their respective schools,” said Maiyo, noting that there is need for assurance on the safety of children as they go back to schools after some parents raised concern.
The National Security Advisory Committee assured Kenyans of safety and peace throughout the nation despite the presidential election results being challenged shortly after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati pronounced Deputy President William Ruto as president-elect.
“The government has and continues to take all necessary measures to ensure that the entire country is safe and secure and calls on all Kenyan and business communities to resume their normal daily activities,” said Mr Joseph Kinyua, the Head of Public Service.
Additionally, parents have persisted in criticising the economy and complaining of the high cost of goods.
The second term of the two-year crash programme triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic interruption of 2020 is anticipated to occur on September 16 2022, when students will break for only a week before returning for the third and final term of the 2022 academic year. The regular school calendar is anticipated to resume in January of the following year.