The government has announced the closure of all primary and secondary schools on Monday next week by revising the closing dates of this term to Monday next week, owing to the growing tension occasioned by the ongoing three week teachers’ strike that has paralysed learning in public institutions.

According to a circular sent to education officials, which is signed by Acting Education Secretary Leah Rotich,“The revision of the term dates for primary and secondary schools has been necessitated by the fact that very little to no teaching and learning has been going on in most of these institutions in the last weeks with an exception of examination classes,” read the statement in part.

however, the circular states that the decision applies to Standard 1 to 7 pupils and Form 1 to 3 with Standard 8 and Form Four students being asked to stay in school ahead of the scheduled national exams, which the government has maintained will still go on as scheduled.

“The Ministry wishes to thank those teachers who continue to assist in preparing the 2015 candidates for examinations. It is expected that TSC teachers who are in school and BOM teachers, will continue to teach and prepare KCPE and KCSE candidates. Those already engaged in KNEC examination management will also be expected to perform their duties as per the KNEC Act 2012.”

SOCIAL MEDIA UPROAR

Parents have taken over social media to condemn the directive, which will affect students in the private education sector as well, for the first time in the history of teachers strikes.