It takes wisdom for anyone to find an opportunity in any calamity.
Following Education Cabinet secretary Professor Magoha’s announcement that the president had okayed private teaching ,many teachers continue to reap big.
“He (Uhuru) suggested that as long as you keep safe social distancing, nothing stops you from engaging the children,” Magoha said in the past weeks.
He added that even those in the villages should find a way of engaging children around them.
In a bid to keep their children busy,several parents have pushed for private face to face teaching.
In certain estates in Nairobi,the weekly amount paid by parents range from 1,000 to as high as 5,000.
One such instance is managed by a Lina Anyango, a Global Teachers Prize finalist.
She has assembled six teachers who attend to learners in form one to four. On Fridays ,the teachers conducts mentorship programmes.
Besides this group,is another, that specialises in science, technology, engineering and mathematics,of course at a fee.
Kenya Secondary School Heads Association chairman Kahi Indimuli however said that the private classes were premised on a misunderstanding of what the ministry had directed.
He said before such programmes can be implemented,there must be proper guidelines on the number of lerners to assemble and in which venue.
Mr. Indimuli added that there have to be protocols on identification and allocation of teachers to different classes.
“For now, we do not have the operating guidelines and we plead that teachers should not exploit parents. Parents should also be patient as ministry and TSC work on the way forward,” said Indimuli.
Teachers who are afraid of face to face learning have opted to have their children taught online.
Online learning
According to some parents, the online lessons offered by the ministry of education have not helped in keeping their children engaged.
Internet Abuse
The parent who is also a primary School teacher Said that she had discontinued online learning in order to minimise internet Abuse.
“They have been having online classes but after it, they spend so much time online meeting strangers and visiting wrong sites under the pretext of doing assignments and this has been a worry to me,” said the parent who is also a primary school teacher.
Jubilee Party Vice Chairman David Murathe has told Kenyans to prepare for Raila Odinga presidency come 2022.
In an interview with KTN yesternight ,the ally of president Uhuru said that the ODM chief must now be rewarded for all the struggles and sacrifices he’s made to ensure this country progresses democratically.
Raila would have his one term then pave way for generation change in Kenya’s political order.
“We think it’s time Kenyans rewarded the years of struggle of Raila Amollo Odinga. They owe it to him. It’s like Mandela, and 2022 will be a Mandela Moment. And we would also like to tell him (Raila) to be a transitional president who will then nurture the young generation to take over in 2027,” he said.
Accordin’g to him,the fact that Raila will contest is unquestionable.
“What I can confirm is that in 2022, we will have a poster. And in that poster there will be a portrait of the Handshake. Assuming we go by the formation unveiled at Bomas, we will probably have a prime minister coming from Mount Kenya. You may have a deputy prime minister coming from Coast and the other possibly from the Rift Valley,” he said.
Murathe asked the Wiper party leader to pave way for Raila to have his one term.
“Untill he (Kalonzo) moves from the Nasa coalition, what we are doing is co-operating. Just like we are co-operating with ODM. I don’t know what the arrangement is on the Nasa side but if you ask me I would like him (Kalonzo) to also let Raila run,” he said.
David Murathe has been very instrumental in shaping President Kenyatta’s political agenda.
Other key leaders in the same ,include cabinet secretaries;
Ukur Yatani (Treasury),
James Macharia (Transport)
Peter Munya (Agriculture)
Fred Matiang’i (Interior)
Mutahi Kagwe (Health).
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President Kenyatta on Saturday urged Kenyans to take advantage of this time to tour the country and enjoy Kenya’s God-given scenery.
The head of state said that in as much as people must keep safe ,that does not mean they locks themselves indoors.
“You have the ability to take advantage of the wonderful gift God has given this republic and to be able to tour with your family. Despite Covid-19, you are as safe as you want yourself to be,” he said.
Mr. Kenyatta made the remarks during a video conversation with Tourism CS Najib Balala.
Balala hosted Marathon world record holder Eliud Kipchoge at the Maasai Mara Game Reserve.
The president reiterated that he declined to re-impose lock down because of his belief that Kenyans are responsible enough to take care of themselves.
“Let us be able to continue with our lives. We cannot just lock ourselves down. Covid-19 is here with us and we cannot run away from that. However it is up to every single Kenyan to see how they can continue with their livelihoods while at the same time keeping themselves and others safe,” he said.
He welcomed foreign tourists who would wish to come to Kenya ,on condition that they adhere to the strict Covid-19 measures put in place.
His statement comes just days after international flights were allowed to resume.
The President announced the resumption of both local and international flights under strict guidelines in the country’s planned phased reopening.
Mr. Balala said that several local tourists turned up to witness the spectacular 10,000 wilder beast crossing the Mara river from Serengeti.
This has led to hotels at the Mara being filled up.
“There are challenges definitely in the hotel industry but we have all accepted that we have to balance between lives and livelihoods,” he said.
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Raila,Kalonzo and Gideon Moi have reaped big from Uhuru’s latest appointment to various positions in the government, reports The Star.
In the appointments that were done by the head of state on Friday, Raila’s younger sister Beryl Okumu will chair the Governing Council of Kenya Water Institute
Kalonzo’s son Kevin Muasya and Pauline Njoroge will for a period of three years be members of the Board of Tourism Regulatory Authority after appointment by Tourism CS Najib Balala.
Nick Salat will now chair the lucrative Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) from Postal Corporation of Kenya.
Dp Ruto’s ally, former Baringo governor Benjamin Cheboi’s appointed at ADC was revoked by the president.
Dr. Matiangi’s brother ,John Matian’gi will serve in the Public Service Superannuation Fund Board of Trustees after appointment by Treasury CS Ukur Yatani.
Matiang’i is also the treasurer of the firebrand trade union-Kenya National Union of Teachers.
Other appointees include;Ex- Nairobi Speaker Alex Ole Magelo who has been appointed by Cabinet Secretary for Industry, Trade and Co-operatives Betty Maina to be the member of the Board of the Kenya Leather Development Council.
Former Ethics and Anti-Corruption CEO Halake Waqo has been appointed by Education CS Magoha to chair chair the Universities Fund Board for 3 years.
Former Education Assistant Minister Kilemi Mwiria has been appointed the chairperson of the Kenya National Qualifications Authority.
Others are Dr Nuh Nassir Abdi a one-time MP for Bura constituency and Speaker of Tana River Assembly between 2013-2017 and retired Gen. Joseph Kibwana.
Abdi has been appointed by Transport CS James Macharia to the board of Kenya Ferry Service Limited while Kibwana has been appointed by Uhuru to chair the board of Kenya Ports Authority.
Renowned lawyer Lucy Kambuni, once served as the permanent Advisory committee of ICC has been appointed alongside Elizabeth W. Muli, David Onyango and Anne Muigai to be members of the Commission for University Education.
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One person lost his life after a diesel tanker that lost control,overturned on the middle of the road ,bursting into flames.
The incident occured on Friday Night at around 11:30 pm along the Northern Corridor in Teso North Sub County.
Involved in the accident was a fuel Tanker and 3 other trucks carrying goods enroute to Uganda and other Great Lakes Region.
According to eye witnesses, the fuel Tanker attempted to overlap a 15km stretch of a traffic jam before it lost control.
While confirming the matter, Teso North police chief Wilson Muraya said the tanker exploded on impact after overturning.
Other trucks that were carrying goods then caught fire.
Police pulled out the body from the wreckage of the fuel tanker.
The injured truck drivers and their turn boys were rushed to Kocholya Level Four Hospital where they are currently receiving treatments.
Teso North Sub County Police Commander (OCPD) Mr Wilson Muraya found it hard controlling the surging crowd before fire engines arrived 30 minutes later and managed to contain the fire.
The county government is in the process of acquiring a fire truck for Malaba folowing County Assembly approval of the budget with Sh55 million set aside for it.
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The move by Brookhouse schools to charge ksh 45,000 before enrolling learners has been met by protest.
The parents associated with the institution termed the move illegal.
They said that they had been advised by a committee against heeding the call as doing so is tantamount to a new contract and an attempt to undermine the pending petition determination.
The School directed the parents to pay and re-enroll the learners latest Monday next week.
It was not clear however what would happen should a parent fail to heed the call.
An official has however said that the directive was misunderstood by parents.
In April,parents sued the school for exorbitantly charging its online classes.
According to the parents, the school demanded just for online classes despite other institutions discounting.
They said this same amount is always paid for face to face learning.
The case is however still pending in court.
In a later dated April 20th, the director of the school Mr John O’Connor,dismissed a section of the parents ,saying that majority were comfortable with the charges.
“While the school may not agree with some of the comments made in your letter, we move forward with a positive commitment to our whole school community in a spirit of mutual respect,” said Mr O’connor.
“We are collecting the data of our students to know who are willing to enroll and continue with our lessons.”
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Health Cabinet secretay Mutahi Kagwe has hinted at his interior counterpart contesting for presidency.
In what many saw as referring to Matiangi,Kagwe on Friday told the Gusii community that one of their own was capable of clinching the top seat if they supported and protected him from “external forces”
According to The Daily Nation,The CS used the parable of an expectant woman to urge the Abagusi to read the signs of the time,come together so that other parts of the country can also support their son.
Kagwe was speaking at a leaders meeting held at Kisii County Assembly grounds.
Dr. Matian’gi comes from Kisii and on more than one instance has been viewed as a potential presidential candidate come 2022.
“If you see a protruding tummy of a woman and it continues to grow, what do you think is growing in there? Just use eyes to conclude that a child is about to be born,” said Mr Kagwe to a salvo from those who attended.
“If you do not nurture and protect the expectant mother, feed and protect her from external dangers, you would blame yourself if she loses the pregnancy.”
“You, Abagusii, know that in politics, people fight and undercut one another. But this is not the time for political backstabbing. If you behave normally, the world will treat you normally,” Mr Kagwe added.
Matiangi however did not give a comment on Kagwe’s remarks.
The duo are in a four day tour in Nyanza ,aimed at assessing the aftermath of covid-19 in Kisii, Homa Bay, Kisumu and Bomet counties as well as how prepared they are.
Members of the public lined the street of Kisii Town to receive the leaders.
Thereafter ,CS Mutahi Kagwe gave the daily report on Covid-19 situation in the country.
From a sample size of 6814, 727 new cases were reported will 5 of the cases being from Kisii.
On his side, the incumbent governor of Kissi county ,James Ongwae said that it is high time the Gusii commnuity got a representation by Matian’gi in sharing the national cake.
Other leaders who also led their constituents to urge Matian’gi to declare interest in presidency include Kisii Senator Prof Sam Ongeri, MPs Richard Onyonka (Kitutu Chache South) and Jimmy Agweny (Kitutu Chache North)
Others were Richard Tong’i (Nyaribari Chache) and Woman Rep Janet Ong’era.
“We have our son here who has left a mark in all the ministries he has served. We are urging our people to rally behind him for the highest seat in the country,” said Prof Ongeri.
Dr.Matiangi has however not personally expressed interest in any political seat although calls to have him go for presidency have been growing.
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Former MP of Changamwe consituency, Ramadhan Kajembe has passed away.
He died at Pandya hospital barely two weeks after his wife died of covid-19 complications.
At the time of his wife’s burial,Kajembe was on Oxygen hence was not able to attend.
After the wife’s demise,some of his close relatives were admitted to the same hospital.
Sources say that his burial is to take place at 7pm today at the Kajembes family cemetery in Changamwe.
His wife was also laid to rest in that same place.
Among the leaders that have sent condolences include ODM chief Raila Odinga.
My sincere condolences to the family of Hon. Ramadhan Seif Kajembe, former MP for Changamwe. He was a dedicated servant of the people of Changamwe whose rights he defended without fear. May his soul Rest In Eternal Peace. pic.twitter.com/V7tOIcIVXG
Disclaimer:The views expressed in this article are my personal opinions and do not in any way reflect Cabinet secretary Prof Magoha’s plans in his line of duty.
Even as I write this article,it is my hope that a vaccine be found soonest.
However before then, doors to the buildings in all learning institutions should remain locked.
Before you ‘fire salvo’ at the Kenya’s Education cabinet secretary George Magoha over plans to postpone opening dates even further ,think of countries such as HongKong that closed back schools barely a month after opening, after experiencing a third wave of covid-19 infections.
Learners taking examinations in Hongkong.
Excuse me,how does Hongkong and Kenya compare in terms of economy and by extension ,preparedness to mitigate the spread of the virus?
Before you begin enumerating countries that have managed to open schools world over ,ask yourself the measures that they put in place pre-opening then look at them against Kenya’s.
Teachers’ and learners not Guinea pigs.
As a parent, get to know that your child and his/her teacher are not guinea pigs or rats in an experiment to test whether or not it is safe to reopen schools.
Learning institutions were in March closed following confirmation of just one case of covid-19.
The figures currently stands at 24,411 as of yesterday and you want schools opened ,are you mad?
Social distancing.
Hardly can learners interactions be restricted while in schools meaning even with masks on, infections are still bound to occur,again at a higher rate.
A class in progress in China,social distancing enhanced to curb spread of Covid-19.
You might argue that teachers will take care of them and ensure they put on masks at all times and maintain social distance as well. Since when did teachers become health care givers to do all these?
Even the proposed open-air learning should schools re-open is practically impossible. Think of the afternoon rains.Where will lerners have shelter in case of a heavy down pour? Definitely classrooms and you know how risky that can be.
Hospitals overwhelmed
Health facilities might be overwhelmed if infections increase among learners owing to the fact that home based care may not be an option in case of emergencies.
If you want schools opened without sacrificing teachers,learners and relatives who are studying, then it is prudent to have them closed till that time when it will be scientifically safe to do so.
Of concern to me arelearners with special needs. Take an example of a paraplegic learner who will have to frequently adjust his/her mask in case it’s not well positioned.
The young ones with autism and language and communication difficulties needs time to be trained to master an instruction.
Before you fully train them on Social distancing and wearing of masks,they shall have contracted the disease.Is that what you want?
I hold the view that health supersedes education but if you have a contrary opinion then You should be reported to Ugandan president Museveni for some militaristic discipline.
By Belfast Brian , a special Needs Education Teacher.
Even the opening date currently set in January is subject to change.
This was Magoha’s sentiment as he addressed National Assembly Education Committee in a virtual meeting on Thursday, August 6.
The Education cabinet secretary was however hesitant to reaffirm January opening dates before the committee.
He maintained his earlier sentiments that schools will only open on condition that covid-19 curve flattens for 14 consecutive days.
“Decisions regarding reopening of learning institutions may change as informed by prevailing circumstances and increased knowledge of Covid-19. If we open in January and there is a surge, we will step down and observe the trends. People have tried to open, like South Africa, and have shut again,” Magoha warned.
Further,he ruled out provision of National examinations (KCSE & KCPE) on grounds that allowing learners and tutors back to school in September could be detrimental as Covid-19 infections are set to rise come October .
Members of Parliament were piling pressure on Magoha to have examinations set based on what has been so far covered in the syllabus.
He however differed with the proposal arguing that Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) sets examinations based on syllabus coverage for 8 years and 4 years for primary and secondary schools respectively.
Based on the measures given by ministry of health, the CS however urged schools to prepare for opening in January.
“The authority to reopen for learning and research will be informed by MoH and my ministry based on dynamics of preparedness,” he added.
Education ministry also released funds meant for running schools for second and third terms as well as paying teachers employed on Board of Management terms.
Treasury deposited Ksh 3,725 per student. Magoha also received funds meant for upgrading schools.
The money will be used to build additional classrooms for secondary schools and hire more teachers.
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Nairobi governor has called upon Chiefs Justice David Maraga and ODM chief Raila Odinga to help resolve the leadership wrangles in the county.
For a period now,Sonko and the Nairobi Metropolitan Services boss Mohammed Badi have engaged in territorial wars.
Sonko has accused the “dark forces in the system ” of causing disharmony.
“My humble appeal now goes to the Honourable Chief Justice, the Senate and Hon. Raila Odinga as great defenders of devolution in this country, we need your urgent intervention and rich wisdom in this crisis, before the county cripples down and is taken away by selfish individuals,” he said.
The governor attributed the crisis and divisions currently witnessed to “dark forces” whose aim is to take control of Nairobi county through backdoor.
“I promise you, very soon the truth shall be known to all.” Said Sonko.
He added that despite him signing the deed of transfer of functions to the national government in good faith, it has since been hijacked by individuals with partisan political interests.
“I appreciate the great works NMS is doing, methodology of its existence notwithstanding. However, NMS, led by General Badi has conducted itself in a partisan political manner against the deed of transfer which was to complement and not compete with my administration,” he said.
Sonko never hesitated to take issues with CS Fred Matian’gi who last week claimed that some Wardreps were armed with guns.
He dared Mr. Matian’gi to produce the names of the MCA’S he claims to have disarmed.
“If your very keen you will notice this is just to divert us from seeking justice for Hon (Patricia) Mutheu. There are clear guidelines on how firearms are handled within the assembly precincts under strict supervision of seargent-at-arms,” he said.
The Mlango Kubwa MCA Hon Mutheu was clobbered by police when the Wardreps attempted to serve Beatrice Elachi ,the speaker with an impeachment notice.
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