Entrepreneurs in Kenya are thriving amidst tough Covid-19 times after the government decision to close all schools until January because of the pandemic, leaving many private schools struggling to survive, according to a BBC report. The report indicates that classrooms at Mwea Brethren School, in central Kenya, which once resonated to the sound of children learning, are now filled with a cacophony of clucking chickens. On the chalkboard, maths equations have been replaced by a vaccination schedule, it is noted. Joseph Maina, who owns the school, turned to nurturing animals to earn some money as he is no longer getting an income from providing an education. We decided that we must do something [with the school] for survival, Maina told the BBC. Roka Preparatory, another school in central Kenya, also converted its premises into a farm. Things have never been this bad, James Kungu, who founded the school 23 years ago, reportedly told the BBC. Outside the school, vegetables are now growing in what was the playground and the owner is also rearing chickens. My situation is similar to other schools. I struggle to fuel the car. The teachers and the students are no longer here. Psychologically, we are very much affected, Kungu said. Both Mwea Brethren and Roka retained only two employees, who are helping with the farm work. It is not for riches. We are comfortable… at least you are not bored, you are busy and its like therapy, said Kungu. While the two schools have found an alternative source of income, the owners worry about the fate of their teachers, who have had to go without pay for five months. This is in contrast to staff at state-run schools, who have been receiving their salaries. Maina says some teachers in his school have called him to ask if there is anything they can do. But unfortunately we dont even have enough to feed ourselves.
