Questions over students safety as schools open amid protests threat

National Parents Association Chairman Silas Obuhatsa. [File, Standard] Uncertainty surrounds the reopening of schools, particularly regarding the safety of learners as they travel back to school. Civil society groups on X (formerly Twitter) have mobilised for nationwide demonstrations Monday to protest abductions and extrajudicial killings. This development is causing concern among some parents, especially in Nairobi, which has been the epicentre of the protests, as many students are scheduled to travel Monday. National Parents Association Chairman Silas Obuhatsa, has raised concerns about the safety of students, particularly those travelling back to school. "We have asked the Ministry of Education to provide clear guidance on how student safety will be ensured during the demonstrations," said Obuhatsa. He emphasised that parents would not risk sending their children back to school unless they are assured of their safety. "We cannot allow our children to encounter challenges with protesters while travelling. We will only release them when we are guaranteed their safety," he added. Maureen Onyango, a parent in Nairobi, said her daughter, who was set to travel to Migori, will remain at home until she confirms that all will be well. "She is expected to travel to Migori for reopening on Tuesday. With Nairobi being the epicentre of the protest, I had to cancel the booking I had reserved," she said. John Mutua, a parent at Machakos School, said he will not allow his son to travel today, even after Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba insisted that schools will reopen as scheduled. "The Ministry of Education field officers, under the guidance of the Regional Directors of Education and County Directors of Education, will monitor adherence to the academic calendar," Ogamba stated. Kenya Primary Schools Heads Association (KPSHA) Chairman Johnston Nzioka said schools were prepared to receive students, stating that they were not involved in the demonstrations. Nzioka called on protesters to exercise their rights away from learning institutions, adding that the school calendar should not be disrupted by issues unrelated to education. He further stated that those causing disturbances would face the law.Peer pressure Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) Chairman Willie Kuria said schools were ready for the new term. "Although high schools will begin on Tuesday, we wish our learners safe travel," said Kuria. Some parents voiced concerns that their children might be influenced by peer pressure and social media platforms which have become powerful tools for mobilising young people. Cleophas Muendo, a parent in Eastleigh, said: "Now that the children are going back to school, parents need to be vigilant and protect them from the peer pressure that spreads easily on TikTok." He urged parents to monitor their children closely to ensure they don't get caught up in the protests. Harriet Mutua, a mother of a 14-year-old in Nairobi, said she felt uncomfortable about allowing her child to go to school. "Since I'll be at work, I won't be at peace releasing her to school, as I'm not sure how things will unfold," she said. Meanwhile, activists and human rights groups have claimed that over 80 youths have been abducted in the past year alone, sparking outrage and prompting calls for justice.Shakira Wafula, an activist, stated that 12 young people had been abducted this month alone. "It's Occupy Everywhere, because the youths who have disappeared come from all walks of life. This month alone, 12 youths have been abducted. The government needs to explain - if they are not responsible, why are they not providing security?" she said. Odhiambo Jiro, another activist, urged the public to rise up in protest, calling on Kenyans to express their displeasure through street protests. The protesters are demanding that the government take action to secure the release of the abducted youths and halt arbitrary arrests. Despite government denials of involvement in the abductions, human rights organisations, activists, and victims continue to mobilise for the nationwide protests. "We are protesting not only abductions but also the government's failure to act," said Zaha Indimuli, an activist with the End Femicide movement. At the same time, many schools are struggling financially, with head teachers revealing that day-to-day operations have become increasingly difficult due to delays in receiving the full amount of capitation funds. KESSHA Chairman Willie Kuria explained that day schools are bearing a heavier burden, as they rely entirely on capitation to fund their operations. Boarding schools are facing similar challenges due to the delay in government funding and the additional fees paid by parents. However, in a statement on Saturday, Education CS Ogamba assured that schools would receive 50 per cent of their capitation funds for the second term. "We are at an advanced stage of ensuring that second term capitation will be released this month. No school will close because 50 per cent capitation has been given to primary and secondary schools," he said.

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