Kenya to Fully Reopen Schools in January 2021
NAIROBI — The Kenyan government has announced that all schools across the country will resume in-person learning in January 2021, following a phased reopening that began in October. The decision affects both public and private institutions, ensuring that students who have been out of the classroom due to COVID-19 restrictions can return to regular learning. Grade Four pupils at Moi Avenue Primary School in Nairobi were among the first to return under the phased plan, demonstrating the government’s efforts to restore normalcy to the education system.
The phased reopening in October allowed select grades to return under strict health and safety protocols, including mandatory mask-wearing, social distancing, and hand hygiene. Authorities said this measured approach helped schools adapt their facilities to prevent virus transmission while gradually reintegrating students into classrooms. The full reopening now extends these safety measures to all grades, as the Ministry of Education works to address the learning disruptions caused by the pandemic.
Parents, teachers, and students have welcomed the announcement, noting the challenges posed by prolonged remote learning. Many parents expressed relief that children will regain access to classroom learning and social interaction, while teachers’ groups emphasized the importance of continued government support to maintain safe learning environments. Education experts say the reopening presents an opportunity to address learning gaps and implement remedial programs to help students catch up.
The government has urged schools and communities to adhere to COVID-19 protocols to ensure a safe transition back to in-person learning. With proper measures in place, authorities hope that full reopening will restore stability to Kenya’s education sector and allow students to complete the academic year on schedule.