Kenya is inching closer to re-opening schools and places of worship, the government has hinted today as it marks the country’s 57th Madaraka Day celebrations.
President, Uhuru Kenyatta signaled the gradual re-opening of learning centers and houses of worship when he directed Interior and Education ministries to finalize safety guidelines and protocols in consultation with stakeholders.
During his Madaraka Day celebrations speech, Kenyatta said his heart was with the students who are preparing for national examinations and faithfuls who can no longer congregate for worship sessions amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I appreciate the anxiety weighing heavy on the minds of parents and children – particularly those preparing for the national examinations. I share the heavy hearts of all the faithful who can no longer congregate and share in worship of The Almighty,”said the President.
Already Sh 6.5billion has been allocated to the ministry of education under the economic stimulus package.
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The Interior ministry has been directed with devising guidelines and protocols that churches and other religious gatherings must strictly adhere to ensure safety of congregants.
“I direct the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Health to continue and hasten their engagement with religious leaders; with the objective of developing protocols that will be adopted to guide a more participatory way of worship while guaranteeing the safety of worshipers,” he said.
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Education ministry has also been urged to fast track consultations with relevant stakeholders to come up with safety protocols against covid-19 pandemic to guide education sector operations during the pandemic.
The ongoing consultations with the stakeholders in the sector he said will provide an appropriate calendar for gradual resumption of education in the country.
“The guidelines should also include protocols to be followed by all learning institutions to guarantee the safety of our children,” said the President.
The new guidelines aims to prevent further spread of coronavirus in the largest economy in East Africa.
