Worry and uncertainty have taken hold among parents and education stakeholders as a number of schools in urban areas across Kenya announce closure plans ahead of the upcoming Saba Saba protests scheduled for Monday, July 7.
Some schools have sent messages to parents instructing them not to bring students to school, due to safety concerns.
School administrators said that they will continue assessing the situation before deciding when to resume normal activities.
The protests—driven by Gen Z mobilisers and backed by various civil society groups—are expected to culminate on Monday, July 7, the day that commemorates the 1990 Saba Saba protests, a historic movement that demanded democratic reform in Kenya.
“Dear parents and guardians, we hope this message finds you well. We would like to inform you that, due to safety concerns, learners are advised not to attend school on Monday, July 7, 2025. This decision has been made with the safety and well-being of our students and staff as our top priority. We encourage you to keep your children at home and safe. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Regards, Management,” read.
The synchronised school closures come amid escalating concerns that the demonstrations might severely disrupt transport networks and routine operations in key towns, as well as spark potential clashes between police and protesters.
The Education Stakeholders Association of Kenya (ESAK) has voiced alarm over the recurring interruptions in learning caused by demonstrations.
In a Saturday statement, ESAK noted that school closures are becoming increasingly routine, particularly in regions expected to experience unrest.
Yesterday, parents began receiving text messages from schools stating that children should not report to school on Monday, July 7, 2025 (Saba Saba), due to planned demonstrations that sometimes escalate into chaos and bloody confrontations between demonstrators and security agencies.
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Last Wednesday, June 25, 2025, parents received similar communication from respective schools,” said ESAK National Secretary Ndung’u Wangenye.
Wangenye emphasised that repeated school interruptions are straining the school calendar, especially as institutions continue to implement the Competency-Based Education (CBE) framework.
At the same time, the Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) has put forward five major demands to the state ahead of the Saba Saba protests, urging that peaceful protests be recognised and upheld as a constitutional right, rather than being treated as a disturbance.
In a press release dated Saturday, July 5, the association reminded the government that Kenyans are entitled to protest under Article 37 of the Constitution.
“It is therefore the duty of the government, through the National Police Service (NPS), to facilitate these rights, not to frustrate, endanger, or criminalise them,” the association said.
The group further requested the police to safeguard peaceful protestors and shield them from rogue elements or hired goons who may try to incite violence.
They also called for restraint among law enforcement officers, urging them to refrain from using tear gas, live rounds, or disproportionate force on unarmed citizens.
Additionally, the association called for uninterrupted public transport operations. It demanded that motorists be granted free access within Nairobi and its surrounding areas.
By Joseph Mambili
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