Institutional Affiliation : MAASAI MARA UNIVERSITY

Group Number :9
Course Code : EDA 4203-1
Course Name : LEGAL ISSUES IN EDUCATION
Lecturer’s Name : Dr. Kara

Group Members
Student’s Names Registration Numbers Signatures
MAGATI EB01/SR/MN/
CLINTON 13408/2020
MUTUA SARAH EB01/SR/MN/
12533/2020
CRYSOLOGUS EB01/SR/MN/
ABARI 13485/2020
LUCIA MUTIE EB01/SR/MN/
12961/2020
OTIENO LYDIA EB01/SR/MN/
11510/2020
FELA NYABUTO EB01 /SR /MN /11482/
2020
ELIZABETH EB01/SR/MN/
MBURU 11364/2020
HILLARY EB01/SR/MN/9454/2019
AMANDA
SHEM MOMANYI EB01/SR/MN/
11494/2020
JULIA EB01/SR/MN/
WANYONYI 13168/2020
1) Coronavirus is an infectious disease that threatens the survival of educational institutions.

How can the Public Health Act (2012) be used for prevention and suppression of the

diseases?

The emergence of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had a profound impact on

societies worldwide. Educational institutions haven't been spared, with school closures

disrupting learning and jeopardizing the educational progress of millions of students. In Kenya,

ensuring the safety and well-being of students, staff, and their families within educational

settings is paramount.

Kenya's Public Health Act (2012) serves as a vital piece of legislation in safeguarding public

health. This comprehensive Act equips authorities with the tools and protocols to tackle

infectious diseases. To navigate the challenges posed by COVID-19 in educational institutions,

this discussion explores how the Public Health Act (2012) can be effectively utilized for the

prevention and suppression of the virus within these crucial learning environments.

The Public Health Act (2012) serves as the cornerstone of Kenya's public health defense system.

Its core objective lies in preventing the spread of disease and promoting the health and well-

being of the population. Several sections within the Act hold particular relevance in addressing

COVID-19 within educational institutions:

Section 27: Notification of Infectious Diseases: This section mandates the reporting of suspected

infectious diseases to the Ministry of Health (MoH). In the context of COVID-19, school nurses

or administrators would be obligated to report any suspected cases promptly.

Sections 28-30: Isolation and Quarantine: These sections empower public health officials to

isolate individuals displaying symptoms and quarantine those who may have been exposed.
Schools can utilize designated isolation spaces or collaborate with healthcare facilities for

confirmed cases.

Section 31: Disinfection and Decontamination: This section authorizes disinfection and

decontamination efforts to minimize viral transmission. Schools can implement cleaning

protocols in classrooms, dormitories, and common areas to ensure a safe environment.

Section 42: Public Education: The Act emphasizes public education as a crucial tool in disease

prevention. Schools can leverage this section by developing educational materials and integrating

information on COVID-19 prevention and hygiene practices into the curriculum.

Public health officials play a critical role under the Act. They are responsible for investigating

outbreaks, issuing directives for disease control, and ensuring compliance with the Act's

provisions. Collaboration between schools and public health officials is essential for effectively

utilizing the Act's framework within educational settings.

Preventative Measures using the Public Health Act (2012)

Notification and Early Detection

Early detection of suspected COVID-19 cases is crucial for prompt containment and preventing

further spread within schools. Some of the ways on how the Public Health Act (2012) can be

leveraged includes:

Mandatory Reporting (Section 27): Section 27 of the Act establishes the foundation for early

detection. School nurses or designated administrators must be mandated to report any suspected

cases of COVID-19 to the Ministry of Health (MoH) without delay. This ensures timely

intervention by public health authorities.

Clear Guidelines and Procedures: Developing clear and well-defined guidelines for reporting

suspected cases is essential. These guidelines should outline the specific symptoms or situations
that necessitate reporting, along with the designated contact person or department within the

MoH. Additionally, a standardized reporting form can be developed to streamline the process

and ensure all necessary information is captured.

Training School Staff: Equipping school staff, particularly nurses and administrators, with the

knowledge and skills to identify potential COVID-19 cases is critical. Training sessions should

focus on recognizing key symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing. The training

should also equip staff with the confidence and clarity to initiate the reporting process as per the

established guidelines.

Isolation and Quarantine

Breaking the Chain of Transmission: Sections 28-30 of the Public Health Act (2012) empower

authorities to isolate and quarantine individuals, a vital strategy for breaking the chain of

COVID-19 transmission within schools.

Isolation: Students or staff exhibiting symptoms must be isolated in designated on-site facilities

or at home, following Sections 28 and 29. Dedicated isolation spaces within schools should be

well-ventilated and adhere to infection control protocols. In situations where on-site isolation is

not feasible, collaboration with healthcare facilities for safe transportation and isolation of

confirmed cases becomes crucial.

Quarantine: Close contacts of confirmed cases must be quarantined for the prescribed period as

mandated by Section 30. This can be implemented within dormitories or at home, depending on

available resources and risk assessment.

Psycho-Social Support: Providing psycho-social support to individuals in isolation or quarantine

is essential for their well-being. Schools can collaborate with mental health professionals or

trained counselors to offer support services.

Disinfection and Decontamination

Creating a Safe Learning Environment: Section 31 of the Public Health Act empowers

authorities to implement disinfection and decontamination procedures. Here's how schools can

leverage this:

Routine Disinfection: Regular disinfection of classrooms, dormitories, common areas, and

frequently touched surfaces is essential. Schools can establish a cleaning and sanitation plan

outlining the frequency and methods of disinfection.

Targeted Decontamination: In the event of a confirmed case within a school, targeted

decontamination procedures should be implemented in areas potentially contaminated by the

virus.

Ventilation: Proper ventilation in classrooms and dormitories helps reduce viral transmission.

Schools should encourage natural airflow by opening windows and consider using air purifiers

where appropriate.

By implementing these measures, schools can create a safer learning environment and minimize

the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Public Education and Awareness

Empowering the school community with knowledge and awareness is vital for effectively

preventing and suppressing COVID-19. Section 42 of the Public Health Act (2012) emphasizes

public education as a key tool. Schools can leverage this through ensuring the following:

Educational Materials: Developing engaging and informative educational materials on

Coronavirus prevention and spread is crucial. These materials can be targeted towards different

age groups within the school community – students, staff, and parents. Information should be
presented in a clear, concise, and culturally sensitive manner, utilizing visuals and simple

language for better understanding.

Curriculum Integration: Integrating Coronavirus awareness into the school curriculum can

create a holistic learning experience. Age-appropriate information on the virus, hygiene

practices, and social distancing can be incorporated into lessons across various subjects like

Science, Health Education, and Social Studies.

Workshops and Training Sessions: Organizing interactive workshops and training sessions for

students, staff, and parents empowers them to take preventive action. These sessions can cover

topics like proper handwashing techniques, mask etiquette, social distancing guidelines, and the

appropriate use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Dissemination of Information: Effective communication is key. Schools can utilize various

channels to disseminate information on COVID-19 preventive measures. This includes

prominently displaying posters and infographics on school noticeboards, regularly updating

newsletters with vital information, and incorporating key messages into parent-teacher meetings.

By promoting public education and awareness, schools can foster a culture of responsible

behavior and equip the school community with the knowledge and skills necessary to combat

COVID-19.
 2. Discuss how Public Health Act (2012) guide the daily management of dormitories in

secondary schools in Kenya.

Dormitories in Kenyan secondary schools serve as a home away from home for many students.

Maintaining healthy living conditions within these dormitories is crucial for student well-being

and academic success. The Public Health Act (2012) provides a valuable framework for schools

to ensure dormitories meet these health standards, promoting a safe and nurturing environment

for learning and growth.

Public Health Act Provisions for Dormitories

The Public Health Act (2012) serves as a cornerstone for ensuring healthy living conditions

within dormitories. Here's how several sections of the Act directly impact dormitory

management:

Cleanliness and Maintenance (Section 31): This section mandates that dormitories be clean and

well-maintained. Schools must implement measures for regular cleaning and ensure proper

waste disposal through designated bins and collection systems. Additionally, the Act empowers

authorities to address issues like pest control, which can significantly impact hygiene within

dormitories.

Ventilation and Air Quality (Section 31): Section 31 emphasizes the importance of proper

ventilation. Schools must ensure adequate airflow in dormitories to prevent the build-up of

moisture and germs that can contribute to respiratory illnesses. Poor ventilation can also create

an uncomfortable and unhealthy living environment for students.

Overcrowding (Section 31): Overcrowding in dormitories can pose a significant health risk.

The Act, through Section 31, can be used to address this issue. Schools can establish occupancy
limits for dormitories based on space availability to ensure proper hygiene practices and disease

control measures can be effectively implemented.

Water Quality and Sanitation (Section 22): Section 22 of the Act promotes access to safe

drinking water and proper sanitation facilities. Schools must ensure dormitories have access to

clean drinking water and provide adequate toilet facilities to meet student needs. This not only

promotes hygiene but also helps prevent the spread of waterborne diseases.

Implementing the Public Health Act in Dormitories

Transforming the Act into Action: The Public Health Act provides the framework; effective

implementation within dormitories requires clear strategies. Ways how schools can translate the

Act's provisions into action is through the following:

Clear Guidelines and Protocols

Develop detailed guidelines outlining procedures for cleaning and sanitation within dormitories.

These guidelines should specify the frequency of cleaning (daily, weekly, etc.), the specific areas

requiring attention (floors, beds, bathrooms), and the cleaning products to be used.

Establish a schedule for regular maintenance and repairs. This includes addressing leaky faucets,

damaged windows, or faulty electrical wiring to ensure a safe and healthy environment.

Staff Training

Invest in training dormitory staff on proper hygiene practices, including handwashing techniques

and disinfection procedures.

Train staff on waste disposal protocols, including sorting waste into designated bins and ensuring

regular collection by approved waste management companies.

Equip staff with the knowledge and skills for effective pest control measures, emphasizing safe

and environmentally friendly practices.

Train staff to identify potential health hazards within the dormitories, such as mold growth or

overcrowding, and to report them promptly to the school administration for appropriate action.

Student Involvement

Foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among students for maintaining a clean and

healthy dormitory environment. This can be achieved through initiatives like assigning cleaning

duties on a rotating basis or organizing dormitory clean-up days.

Promote responsible waste disposal practices among students by encouraging them to use

designated bins and avoid littering.

Integrate personal hygiene education into the school curriculum, emphasizing the importance of

handwashing, proper use of toiletries, and maintaining a clean-living space.

Monitoring and Enforcement

Conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance with the established guidelines and identify

any emerging issues. Develop an action plan for addressing identified problems. This may

involve additional cleaning efforts, implementing repairs, or providing further training for staff

or students.

By implementing these strategies, schools can effectively utilize the Public Health Act (2012) to

create a safe and healthy living environment within dormitories, fostering the well-being of their

students.

Collaboration and Support

The successful implementation of the Public Health Act within dormitories hinges on

collaboration between various stakeholders. Schools play a central role, but effective action

requires support from external partners.

Ministry of Health and Local Authorities: Collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and

local health authorities is crucial. The MoH can provide guidance on sanitation practices, pest

control methods, and access to health education resources. Local public health officials can

conduct inspections and offer technical expertise.

External Stakeholders: External stakeholders like parent-teacher associations (PTAs) and non-

governmental organizations (NGOs) can play a vital role by providing resources for maintaining

healthy dormitories. This could include funding for repairs, educational materials on hygiene, or

sponsoring training workshops for staff.

By fostering a collaborative approach, schools can leverage the expertise and resources of

external partners to ensure the Public Health Act's provisions translate into tangible

improvements in the health and well-being of students within dormitories.

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