Gichugu MP Gichimu Githinji has called on the Ministry of Health to urgently issue clear health guidelines to schools following the confirmation of Kenya’s first Ebola case.
Speaking at Gachatha Primary School, Kirinyaga East Sub County, where he commissioned 18 renovated classrooms funded through the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), Gichimu said schools should be provided with clear protocols on disease prevention, identification of suspected cases and reporting procedures.
“I would also ask the Ministry of Health to issue health guidelines that can be used or followed in all schools. This will help prevent disease outbreaks, like the case we heard was reported here in Kenya,” he said.
The MP said teachers should be equipped with clear directives that they can use to sensitise learners on disease prevention and ensure that health protocols are observed within schools.
“Since teachers are there to teach, they need to be provided with directives to follow and sensitise students on so that everyone in schools follows them to protect against any diseases that might affect us, such as Ebola,” Gichimu said.
He urged the government to expedite the release of the guidelines, saying preparedness was necessary given the large number of learners, teachers and support staff who interact daily in schools.
“We are hoping that will remain the only case in Kenya, but protection is not cowardice,” he said.
The MP said the measures should not create panic but should instead ensure schools are prepared to respond appropriately should a suspected case arise.
“One must be cautious because anything can happen. We strongly pray that this issue is contained so it doesn’t spread into schools and that it ends with that single case. But just in case, they should be given guidelines as quickly as possible so teachers can inform students on how to protect themselves,” he said.
The MP also used the occasion to assure residents that plans were underway to renovate more schools in the constituency.
“We have already commissioned other schools elsewhere, and for areas we haven’t reached yet, I assure them not to worry. Plans are in place to ensure every school is in good condition,” he said.
He further called on the Ministry of Education to address delays in the disbursement of school capitation funds, saying timely release of the funds was necessary to ease the operation and management of schools.
By Mutai Kipng’etich
