Several schools across Kenya have asked learners to stay at home on Monday, July 7, due to fears over the planned Saba Saba protests.
Newshub.co.ke has confirmed that at least 20 schools have already communicated with parents, advising them to keep their children at home as a safety measure. This decision is aimed at avoiding any risks that might arise from possible unrest during the planned demonstrations.
In one of the notices sent by a popular private school, the administration explained, “To make sure learning continues without any major interruptions, our teachers will provide enough academic assignments for your child.
These assignments are designed according to the normal school timetable and will help students focus on key subjects as they prepare for their End of Term Exams.”
Another school stated in their message, “This temporary closure is due to the current uncertainty around the day, especially with regard to safety.
We are taking this step purely as a precaution to protect our students and staff.” Most of these schools mentioned that learners are expected to resume their normal classes on Tuesday, July 8.
Interestingly, many of the schools that made the decision to close on Monday are located in neighborhoods along Thika Road or operate school buses that use that route regularly.
During the previous round of protests on June 25, Thika Road was heavily affected. Hundreds of demonstrators blocked the highway using rocks and lit fires, causing major traffic disruption and raising safety concerns.
A concerned parent who spoke to Newshub.co.ke shared that although not all schools have made official announcements, many parents are still choosing to keep their children at home as a precaution.
“Usually when there are protests, schools let the children go home early. But I might just decide not to send mine tomorrow, depending on how things go,” the parent explained.
Saba Saba Day, marked every year on July 7, holds historical significance in Kenya. It commemorates the day in 1990 when Kenyans marched in the streets to push for the introduction of multiparty democracy and free elections.
This year’s Saba Saba Day has stirred mixed reactions, with some groups planning peaceful demonstrations to raise various concerns. Meanwhile, political and community leaders have appealed for calm and urged protesters to remain peaceful.
Law enforcement agencies have also been called upon to avoid excessive force and to handle any situations with caution.
Despite the planned protests, the government insists that July 7 remains a regular working day. On Sunday, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku made it clear that all public employees must report to work on Monday.
He gave the directive while speaking at a church service in Embu County, which was also attended by President William Ruto.
Ruku warned that the government would take disciplinary action against any civil servants who fail to turn up for work on the day.
At the same time, the Association of County Students Associations Presidents–Kenya (ACSAPK) has urged President Ruto to consider opening a national conversation with the youth.
The student leaders are calling for dialogue to address the growing concerns and struggles facing young people across the country.
Join Gen Z New WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
