A director of a private school in Kisumu has received the closure of all schools as ordered by the Education ministry on Friday with utmost shock.
The director of Josana Academy Lydia Okewo said they are in limbo over their next move owing to the huge budget that was to run throughout the term without interference.
Okewo said the move is not welcome stating that she has received calls from parents asking what will happen to their children.
“We have bills to pay and loans we are servicing which we can only clear when the school is fully operational. How are we going to achieve this now that the government has ordered closure of schools?” posed Okewo.
While acknowledging the teachers’ pain and the government’s difficulty in settling the huge recurrent bill, she said the government should come up with an amicable solution to the salary stalemate.
“A solution should be found, but closing down schools is a harsh one,” said Okewo.
She is however waiting for communication from the Kenya Private Schools Association on the way forward over the matter.
Upon receiving the communication the Josana Academy director said she will communicate to parents over the same.
On Friday, Education Secretary Leah Rotich in a circular to education officials, said all students except those set to sit their final examinations should leave and go home by Monday.
The closure has been occasioned by the teachers strike which has paralysed learning in public schools as they demand 50-60 per cent pay increase as ordered in by courts.
The strike is in its third week.