Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha has announced that the school reopening date has been changed from Monday 15 to Thursday 18, 2022.

In a statement on Saturday, August 13, Magoha explained that due to the ongoing election vote tallying exercise, the government has resolved to moved the reopening date.

He urged all stakeholders to bear with the government as they deal with the complex issue of vote tallying.

“Following the conduct of our National Elections on Tuesday, August 9, 2022, the process of tallying ballots is still ongoing.

“Therefore, following further consultations, I hereby convey the Government’s decision on the suspension of the re-opening of ALL Basic Education institutions with effect from Monday, August 15, 2022, until Thursday, August  18, 2022,” the statement read.

“This communication supersedes any earlier communication on the re-opening of basic education institutions,” it continued

On Wednesday, August 10, the CS stated that after consultations with the IEBC, they have been informed that the tallying exercise would last for a few days and that ballots would still be moved from learning institutions that were used as polling stations.

He apologised to parents and guardians for the inconvenience and also informed education stakeholders that the move was made to ensure the safety of all learners.

“We apologise for any inconvenience occasioned by these changes and ask for your indulgence, as we work through ensuring the safety and comfort of learners through this period,” he stated.

Magoha reiterated that learners will report back to school from the midterm break if the environment is safe after the General Election.

He noted that the initial Thursday, August 11, date was subject to change depending on the outcome of the election.

The decision comes as IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati expressed optimism the commission would announce the presidential results before the seven-day period provided for by the law.