Kenyans have expressed mixed feelings about the government’s order to close schools immediately beginning Tuesday, August 2, to prepare for elections.
Some have described the move as ‘disoriented,’ while the majority of people were relieved of their school fees.
In a statement dated August 1, Education CS George Magoha stated that the schools will be closed until August 11, to allow for preparations for and the conduct of the August 9 general elections.
“Schools and parents are advised to ensure that students from all basic education institutions begin their final half-term on Tuesday, August 2, and resume on Thursday, August 11, 2022,” Magoha said in a statement.
Magoha’s orders were met with mixed reactions as soon as word got out, with some wondering why he had to make such drastic changes.
Education CS had announced a day before that schools would close on Saturday, August 6.
The second term’s half-term was scheduled to end on Monday, August 15, to allow for the polls.
Kuria Kimani, MP for Molo, was among the first Kenyans to respond to the orders on Twitter, calling them untimely and confusing for parents with children in boarding schools.
“However, Prof George Magoha had known for years that elections would be held on 9/8 [sic] and that schools would be used as polling places!” His directive has caused far too much confusion! That is why we require government officials who are in touch with the public.” Kimani went on Twitter.
Another Twitter user who chimed in on the trending topic questioned why the CS was surprising everyone with an unexpected directive just a day after issuing a parallel announcement.
“The government acts as if it had no idea Kenyans would be voting on August 9, and now we have Magoha shifting deadlines twice in less than 24 hours.” Maajbau!”. She was perplexed.
“To be honest, I’m more looking forward to a new Education CS than I am a new president,” veteran actor Ian Mbugua tweeted.
Keitan Namaswa, on the other hand, had a different take on the directive. He said he will breathe a sigh of relief because the school administration of his daughter had asked him to write a commitment letter by tomorrow demonstrating how he would clear this term’s school fees balance.
“At the very least, if the elections do not repeat themselves, I have until the 10th to plan myself.” Long live Magoha!” he exclaimed.
Today’s reaction is one of many instances in which the Education CS has been accused of dictatorial leadership in the ministry.
“George Magoha acts and behaves as if the Ministry of Education is a personal enterprise.” “Does he realize some of these parents can’t afford food right now?”
Every election year, schools are traditionally used as polling and tallying centers, but the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the school calendar, resulting in the realignment of school breaks.
According to an earlier gazette notice issued by the Electoral Body IEBC, nearly 250 schools will be used as tallying centers this year.
