Public schools remain closed to allow primaries

Public schools will remain closed for the second day Friday to allow parties complete nominations.

Head of Civil Service Francis Kimemia overturned an earlier directive by the Permanent Secretary, Basic Education Prof George Godia that schools would reopen. No further closure will be allowed, Mr Kimemia said.

“Public Primary Schools will remain closed on Friday following logistical challenges that confronted many political party nominations. We should note that 85 per cent of primary schools are used as polling stations and thus the reason for this directive, said Mr Kimemia in a statement Thursday evening.

The major political parties comprising of ODM, TNA, Wiper and URP extended their primaries to today following challenges in delivering material to polling stations.

The parties requested the government to extend the closure of primary schools which are used for the nominations to complete the primaries.

Mr Kimemia also said parties should conduct their primaries in an orderly and peaceful manner.

“Any damage to school assets will be billed to affected parties. We urge the party members to remain peaceful during this exercise,” he said.

The government also thanked Kenyans for their patience and generally keeping peace.

“We thank citizens for their patience and preaching and keeping peace. We urge all parties to step up their management and competent organisation of the nominations,” said Mr Kimemia.

He urged them to maintain the momentum and preach peace during the General Election, which will determine the country’s next on March 4.