10,000 learners have transferred from private schools to public

At least 10,000 learners have transferred from private primary schools to public institutions since reopening on Monday, Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha has announced.

At the same time, Prof Magoha has defended the government directive barring journalists from visiting schools, saying the move was meant to protect learners.

Magoha said this is a national examination term, hence visitors were barred from learning institutions to ensure non-interference in the critical national tests exercise.

“Please, stop confusing the population. There is nothing we are hiding; we are a democratic country.But keep away from schools,” said the CS when he addressed a media breakfast meeting on resumption of learning in Nairobi yesterday.

Other than the media, Magoha said parents and preachers were also not allowed to visit schools, adding that the decision had been taken in good faith.

The minister said the reopening of secondary schools had been staggered to avoid crowding but primary institutions had recorded a good turnout, even as thousands of learners moved schools.