REOPENING OF SCHOOLS

 

As it is the norm, the Kenyan academic year begins in January up to November. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and its rising fears and numbers, this calendar was interrupted at around the end of March 2020. This applies to both public and private institutions all the way from Nursery schools to Tertiary institutions. It is now more than half of a year since the first Covid-19 case was confirmed in the country by the ministry of health, and schools are still closed with children having to remain at home.

 "The 2020 school calendar year will be considered lost due to Covid-19 restrictions", Mr. Magoha said, stating that the learners would retake a year as learning institutions had closed abruptly after 3 months into the calendar. However, after every briefing by the CS for education, Kenyans end up being even more confused than they previously were. This is because Prof. Magoha has never had a stand with a specific opening date whatsoever.

 Mr. Magoha initially ordered the provision of educational opportunity through online platforms and hinted on the final national exams being undertaken in October/November this year. Bearing this in mind, most students and pupils intensified their studies from home at the expense of their parents' sacrifice to facilitate all the requirements like smartphones and laptops. In a well-attended meeting later in July with Prof. Magoha as the chair, there emerged resolutions that the national examinations will be taken by KCPE and KCSE candidates in September next year. In this same meeting, they decided that Universities and colleges that will comply with the World Health Organization's Covid-19 regulations shall be allowed to resume early September 2020. This was also in vain since only a handful of universities and colleges have put those measures in place one month later.

Less than a week ago, all headlines were hit with news hinting early resumption, most probably before the end of October 2020. However, no preparations are underway in primary and secondary schools to expand spaces for social distancing and erection of handwashing points within the different schools. This is even more confusing since communication from top Education officials keeps signaling an early resumption of studies.

 

"We want more action and less meetings and briefings," said Busia Women REP, Mrs. Mutua. This statement was directed to the Ministry of Education to make them start working on the resumption of schools. Following the latest briefing on the resumption of schools by early October, funds approximating KShs. 1.6B has been disbursed, but the TSC is complaining that they haven't received anything yet. So, the question remains: are we really ready for the reopening of schools, or is the ministry of education just buying time and money through these void promises? As we leave that question unanswered, I guess we will have an answer sooner than later, especially now that the 'next reopening date' is up-close, either October 4th, 12th, or 19th depending on preparations (Oops! We are not even sure of the date yet). This phase will include classes seven and eight, in addition to forms three and four. The other levels of primary and secondary schools are scheduled to reopen on November 2nd (If all goes well). Universities and tertiary colleges have been permitted to reopen any time, and their schedule is reliant on the decision by their Senate Councils based on preparedness.

WOMAN GIVES BIRTH OUTSIDE THE GATE TO PUMWANI MATERNITY HOSPITAL

 

If just words like “sio ya mama yako” can generate much heat (if genuinely so) and cause demonstration and arrests, how much vigour and energy should be used to fight for the rights of the woman who had no option but to deliver her baby under the harsh conditions of the gate to Pumwani Maternity Hospital? This happened following the go-slow of health providers at the facility. After pleas to the guards manning the gate fell on deaf ears, the baby was already seeking its way into the world, and the mother had to lie on the dirty tarmac under the scorching sun to deliver. 

 

 Jackline was torn between protecting her dignity and risking her life and that of the child or losing her dignity and safeguarding her life and that of her unborn child. Eventually, the latter seemed the better option, and she had to allow her baby into existence as the crowd watched. For the baby, it was indeed a dramatic entry into the world. I feel for the lady. She narrates the occurrences in tears. She says that it was extremely painful, riddled with shame, and she as well did all she could to prevent the baby from hitting the hard surface or lying on the dirty ground, which is prone to infections. 

 

 The only reason given for this occurrence is that nurses were on a go-slow. The questions that linger are: Does a go-slow mean that nurses cannot care whether someone will lose their life or not? Should we blame the woman for delivering on that day, the baby for not waiting much longer, the nurses for the go-slow, or the government for not addressing the concerns of the health providers? Nevertheless, even with the unanswered questions, the ministry of health remains culpable.

 

Hon. Millicent Omanga visits Jackline following her delivery outside Pumwani Maternity Hospital

 

I am disappointed with Hon. Esther Muthoni Passaris for coming out to defend the hospital. Pumwani Maternity Hospital only let in the baby and the mother after delivery when the baby had problems and was taken to the nursery. The hospital has since denied any involvement in the issuance of a birth certificate on the grounds that the baby was not delivered within the facility. It did not have to take that long for help to come forth. The ‘right to health’ should not be allowed to become ‘begging for healthcare provision’. With the same or even greater vigour, women and all parents at large should arise and condemn this vice! My heart goes out to Jackline Faustina and her husband. You are great parents, and this occurrence should not disturb your peace. May your baby girl grow to be a great health professional. Kudos!