The Ministry of Education (MOE) has dismissed reports that the half term breaks had been changed due to the planned anti-finance bill protest.
In a notice on Tuesday, June 24, the ministry said Education CS Ezekiel Machogu has not directed schools to close early, emphasizing that the half-term breaks remain as scheduled.
The ministry flagged the reports circulating on social media as fake, stating that all schools will break for half-term on Wednesday, June 26, 2024.
“The dates for mid-term break for all primary and secondary schools remain unchanged,” read the notice.
Earlier, it was reported that Education Ministry had allowed boarding schools to release their students for half term break beginning Monday, June 24, 2024.
In a memo to all principals, the Ministry of Education said the early break is meant to give students and parents enough time to make travel plans before the planned Finance Bill protests on Tuesday, June 25.
“It was communicated that since Tuesday has been marked for protests it will not be safe to release our learners for half term that day because there might be challenge of transport and safety,” read the memo.
This is a change to an earlier arrangement where the second term’s half term break was scheduled to begin on Wednesday, June 26.
Some of the principals said the students were to be released from Tuesday, June 25 for the mid-term breaks.
No Half Term Break on Tuesday
The Ministry emphasized that students should not be released on Tuesday, June 25 and allowed day schools to close for half term after the end of lessons on Monday, June 24.
“Same ought to be for primary schools which are also day particularly those in urban areas,” added the memo.
Besides, the Ministry directed the rest of the schools who are not releasing learners today, June 24, to break on Wednesday after the protests.
The principals were directed to compile the information and provide a compliance report.
“Good afternoon, from our meeting today with CS let us give direction to our boarding secondary schools to close for half term tomorrow (June 24). The rest that are not ready to close on Wednesday. Strictly there is no closing on Tuesday.”
Also Read: No Permanent Jobs for Teachers, HELB Allocation Slashed in Latest Govt Proposals
Anti-Finance Bill Protests
The youth have held protests against the finance bill on Tuesday, June 18 and Thursday June 20 in different parts of the country.
The protests dubbed #rejectfinancebill2024 are scheduled to continue on Tuesday, June 25 and Thursday, June 27.
Last Changes on Mid-term Breaks
On May 29, Education PS Belio Kipsang announced changes of half term dates for the second term for all Pre-Primary, Primary and Secondary Schools.
In a circular copied to all County Directors of Education Kipsang said the dates have been moved to 26th and 28th June 2024.
Also Read: KUCCPS Opens Portal for KMTC 2024 Intake
Previously, the mid-term breaks were scheduled to start from June 20 to June 23.
“Following the disruption of the opening dates, it has been decided that the Half-Term dates for Term Two, 2024 be revised as follows: Original Dates 20th – 23rd June 2024; New Dates 26th -28th June 2024,” read part of the circular.
PS Kipsang said that all learners in boarding schools will be expected to report back on 30th June 2024.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C
