Government Unveils Ksh.7 Billion Bail Out Plan For Private Schools

• To address the issue over private school closure, CS George Magoha advised parents to negotiate with the school management to avoid misunderstanding that comes with school fees. He advised them to negotiate with school management so that they can pay part of the school fees as this will enable private schools to remain in operation.

The government is planning to unveil Ksh.7 Billion through the ministry of education to cushion private school. This is after the concern comes from most private schools  which are at risk of closure.
Education Cabinet Secretary Prof. George Magoha, during the daily Covid-19 press briefing in Kisumu stated that the government is considering to bail out private schools with ksh7 billion to caution them.
He said the Ksh. billion pack will be issued out to qualified school owners as a concessionary loan.
Speaking while at Kisumu during the Covid-19 briefing, Magoha made it clear that private schools will be considered and cautioned from the effects of Covid-19. He acknowledged the services private schools have been offering to the learners. However, the CS said that only private schools that meet the threshold would be granted the funds.
Despite the congestion in public schools, the education CS stated that the government has enough space in public schools to accommodate learners from private schools and that parents from private schools should stop worrying.

School Reopening date

On the uncertainty that hangs around schools reopening in January,Magoha said that the government won’t change its position until the virus is contained. He affirmed that government remains steadfast in the opening of all schools in January.
Also Read:Magoha Issues a new directive on school reopening in January
To address the issue over private school closure, CS George Magoha advised parents to negotiate with the school management to avoid misunderstanding that comes with school fees. He advised them to negotiate with school management so that they can pay part of the school fees as this will enable private schools to remain in operation.
“The provision of opening schools in January is not a cast in stone, should the position change at any time, nothing stops us from looking at the timetable. If we flatten the curve, I don’t have the reason to keep the children at home,” he added.
This comes at a time when over 11,000 private schools are facing eminent  closure following Covid-19 effect on education sector.
The academic calendar is yet to be clear after the Covid-19 is contained. Opening of schools remains a big question between the parents and the government, especially for those parents with candidates. The CS had said earlier in July that there will be no KCPE and KCSE in the year 2020.
The education ministry urges parents to prioritize safety and health of their children with the current situation.
In the previous statement, the Kenya Private Schools Association chairman Peter Ndoro had called for the government to cushion private schools as the problem might have a significant impact on public schools.