Inside early school closure plan

Students walking to the bus stop in Nairobi following the closure of schools in 2024. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

School principals across the country are weighing the possibility of abruptly releasing students ahead of the officially scheduled mid-term break, as fears mount over planned Gen Z-led anti-government protests set for Thursday, June 25.

The second-term mid-term break, set for June 24–28, is already being overshadowed by rising tensions linked to planned nationwide demonstrations calling for justice over past protest-related deaths, accountability for police conduct, and broader governance concerns. The situation has revived memories of last year’s violent anti-Finance Bill protests, during which at least 15 people were killed and hundreds arrested as demonstrations turned chaotic in several urban centres.

With concerns that schools could be caught up in renewed unrest, several administrators began releasing learners as early as Friday, despite the Ministry of Education maintaining that the academic calendar remains unchanged.

“It is better for learners to arrive home in time before Thursday. Apart from the protests themselves, learners may encounter transport challenges,” said Kenya Secondary Schools Association chairman Kuria Willie.

In the 2024 protests, dozens of students were killed or left with life-altering injuries during the Gen Z anti-government protests, underscoring the heavy toll of the unrest on learners.

In Molo, Nakuru County, Dennis Njuguna, a Form 4 student at Njenga Karume Secondary School, was shot in the head during demonstrations, while another Form 3 student died after being struck by live police fire.

In Nairobi, University of Nairobi and KCA student Eric Kayoni was shot near Parliament. Many others suffered gunshot wounds, tear gas injuries, and lasting trauma, including a Form 2 learner who later underwent amputation after severe injuries.

On Monday in Nairobi, scenes at bus terminals were striking as students in school uniforms crowded waiting bays, a familiar sight during periods of political unrest. Some schools confirmed they had already begun releasing learners.

“We closed yesterday, and the school administration released us this morning. We’ll return on June 29,” said a student from Makueni County.

Many schools in Nairobi, parents received sudden notices of revised departure plans, while Malava Boys High School in Kakamega instructed parents to arrange early travel for their sons.

The precautionary measures come amid heightened anxiety among parents, many of whom recall previous incidents where students were caught in teargas-filled streets during demonstrations.

National Parents Association chairman Silas Obuhatsa warn that students could easily be drawn into the protests if left unsupervised.

“It is prudent for schools to release learners early. It allows them to get home safely before unrest escalates. We are also concerned that learners may be lured into participating in protests,” said Obuhatsa.

However, not all stakeholders agree. Some parents argue that schools remain the safest environment for children during periods of uncertainty.

“I’m relieved that the school is taking steps to protect our children. The situation is quite worrying, and they should be at home rather than out in the streets,” said Nairobi parent Jane Wanjaa.

Education stakeholders also note that the disruptions could affect academic planning, especially as second-term sports, music festivals, and examinations are ongoing.

“The term is already compressed with exams and co-curricular activities. Any disruption makes it even harder to meet deadlines,” said Machakos School principal Benson Manoo.

The Ministry of Education has maintained that the school calendar will not be altered, insisting that security agencies are prepared to ensure safety across the country.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki assured Kenyans that security measures had been put in place to safeguard both demonstrators and the general public.

The Deputy President assured Kenyans that security would be maintained across the country on the day of the demonstrations.

“This is not supposed to be a threat, nor a joke. That is what is going to happen on Thursday. There will be no monkey business anywhere in the Republic of Kenya,” he said.

“You are free to picket and go home, but we will not allow breaking people's businesses or properties, or maiming people.”

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo also reiterated that while peaceful protests are constitutional, any criminal conduct would not be tolerated.

“Those who plan to go to the streets on June 25 have a constitutional right to demonstrate, and as a government, we will defend those rights as enshrined in the Constitution. However, the moment you are armed, you become a criminal,” Omollo said.