Magoha dismisses rumours on schools’ closure, says no cause of worry

Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha has dismissed rumours on the possible closure of schools as a result of increasing Covid-19 infections in the learning institutions.

His sentiments come a day after Uhuru Primary School, Nyandarua County, was temporarily closed after 16 pupils and four teachers tested positive for the virus.

About 70 learners from the public institution are reported to have visited Nyairoko Dispensary complaining of diarrhoea and sore throats.

After a thorough examination, 16 of them were found to be Covid-19 positive, a situation that prompted the indefinite closure of the school.

Speaking at the launch of Elimu Scholarships interviews, the Education CS said the infection of fewer than 20 learners should not affect the learning of 14 million school goers adding the government is working to ensure their safety.

“This is not an issue at all. If the president was not bold enough to open schools, would these children be lining up here to get scholarships to go to high schools?” he asked.

Magoha spoke in Thika as he oversaw ongoing interviews for the World Bank-funded Elimu Program aiming to give 9,000 scholarships to vulnerable children across the country.

Eight of the cases at the Oljororok based public institution were discovered on Tuesday, June 15 while the remaining 12 were confirmed the following day.

County health minister Dr John Mungai told The Standard the 20 infections were discovered in 72 samples.