Magoha: State working on a medical scheme to cover all learners

Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha yesterday said the Government is working on introducing an insurance scheme to cover students in light of Covid-19 outbreaks in schools.

Magoha made the remarks while on a tour of Psigirio primary and Mnagei Secondary School in West Pokot County where he welcomed the enhanced civil servants' scheme that also includes teachers.

Under the civil servants' scheme, more than 300,000 teachers will receive a full medical cover which now caters for Covid-19 related medical expenses.

At the same time, Magoha said the Government will pay artisans who secured the Sh1.9 billion tender to supply desks to primary and secondary schools under the economic stimulus project.

Addressing the press at Mnagei, CS Magoha said the desks supplied under the project across the country had met the standards set by the ministry.

“The desks I have seen are of good quality. The local artisans have done a tremendous job and they should receive their payment by the end of the week," he said.

He said the Education ministry will give priority to artisans who had been vetted and those who delivered quality furniture to schools.

Life must continue

He noted that most schools had infrastructure challenges and his ministry is working to fast track disbursements of funds to set up more classrooms as per the directive issued by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Magoha added that he had toured over 100 schools across the country and lauded teachers for ensuring all students are wearing masks and that the Covid-19 guidelines are being adhered to.

“In every school, I have gone to, whether impromptu or on notice, it's very encouraging to see teachers continuing with their work. As far as I am concerned life must continue, but we must follow Covid-19 protocols from the Ministry of Health,” he added.

Further, the CS said it would be unfair for learners to stay at home indefinitely because of Covid-19 and called on education stakeholders to find safe ways to keep children in school as they continue to learn.

He further defended himself over remarks targeting an education official in Uasin Gishu county saying that no one was perfect.

Magoha was accompanied by education officials, officers from the Ministry of Health and West Pokot County Commissioner Apollo Okello.