Kenya's education minister has hinted at reopening of schools earlier than his initial proposal of January 2021 if coronavirus cases continue to reduce.

George Magoha has said tertiary institutions may also reopen earlier than was planned.

Kenya scrapped off the 2020 academic year in March because of the pandemic.

The minister said it would be in the interest of learners to reopen schools early if the infection rate maintains its recent downward trend.

The ministry of health has been reporting lower numbers in its daily updates, with the director general saying the rate needs to be below 5% for a period of two weeks for the curve to be said to be flattening.

The World Health Organization and Unicef last week urged African countries to consider reopening schools but with strict guidelines.

The agencies said children were being exposed to violence, teenage pregnancies and poor nutrition while at home during the pandemic.