A teacher's union representative in Baringo has asked the government to close schools for the safety of learners and teachers as Covid-19 cases surge.
Gladys Kipsang, the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers Baringo gender secretary, made the call after one teacher died with Covid-19.
Mogotio Secondary School teacher Leah Chelagat died from Covid-19 complications in a Nakuru hospital on Monday.
“How many teachers and learners should test positive or die so that the government rises to close up schools?” Kipsang said Thursday.
Addressing media in Kabarnet town, Kipsang condoled with the bereaved family, saying it is time government valued lives over learning.
Kipsang said since schools opened two weeks ago, no massive Covid-19 tests or contact tracing has been done.
She was backed by Kabarnet High School teacher Javan Kirui.
Further, she said there was no provision of personal protective equipment for the teachers, apart from sanitiser.
Kipsang said teachers are forced to spend about Sh600 buying masks weekly from their meagre pay.
“Does the government really have any concern for the lives of teachers and children of this country?” Kipsang asked.
She said teachers are ready to teach provided measures are put in place to protect them and their families against the coronavirus.
“Our lives as teachers are at stake. If our health is not guaranteed then why should we remain in school?” the unionist said.
The statement comes as President Uhuru Kenyatta scheduled an emergency steering committee meeting next week.
“The meeting is too far away and the situation is getting out of hand. It should be treated as an emergency” Kipsang said.