Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha announced that schools would be reopened on Monday, August 15, 2022.
In a statement on Wednesday, August 10, Magoha urged parents to ignore any prior communications that indicated schools would be reopened on August 11.
The CS stated that after consultations with the EBC, they have been informed that the tallying exercise would last for a few days and ballots would still be moved from learning institutions that were used as polling stations.
“On 1st August 2022, I ordered the early closure of all Basic Education Institutions to allow for adequate preparation and conduct of the General Elections.”
“We indicated that the reopening would be on the 11th of August 2022. We have however been informed that the process of tallying ballots may still be ongoing on the aforementioned date,” Magoha stated.
The CS also apologised to parents and guardians for the inconvenience and also informed education stakeholders that they have prioritized the safety of all the learners.
“We apologise for any inconvenience occasioned by these changes and ask for your indulgence, as we work through ensuring the safety and comfort of learners through this period.
CS Magoha on Monday, August 8, stated that learners will only report back to school from midterm break if the environment is safe after the General Election.
He noted that the initial Thursday, August 11, date was subject to change depending on the outcome of the election.
The CS, however, assured parents not to worry about their children’s safety as the government would keep an eye on the elections and issue adjustments on a need basis.
“Assuming everything else is constant, the children should go back to school on Thursday, August 11. However, the date may change depending on the political environment.”
“For the love of our children, if we feel that they should stay home for one or two more days, we will then pronounce ourselves at that time. The public should not be worried at all because we will be on the watch,” he stated.