To allow the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to conduct the General Election on August 9, Kenya’s Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha has ordered all schools to close from Tuesday, August 2.
All students from all basic education institutions would begin their half-term holiday on Tuesday, August 2, and return on Thursday, August 11, according to a statement released by Magoha on Monday, August 1.
“As you are all aware, Kenya is scheduled to conduct its National Elections on Tuesday, August 9, 2022. Therefore, following further consultations, I hereby convey the Government’s decision on the immediate closure of all Basic Education institutions with effect from Tuesday, August 2, 2022, until Wednesday, August 10, 2022, to ensure that preparations and conduct of the upcoming elections is carried out seamlessly.”
He explained that the message superseded the earlier one in which the Ministry had announced Saturday, August 6, as the date for closure.
“Schools and Parents are advised to ensure that learners from all Basic Education institutions proceed on their half-term break effective Tuesday, August 2, 2022, and resume on Thursday, August 11, 2022,” Magoha stated.
Kenya has had four presidents since independence in 1964. Voters will head to the polls on August 9, 2022 to elect a new president. They will also be voting for members of the national assembly, senators, county representatives and governors.