Schools face disruption as youth demonstrate in city

Youths exit Parliament through the fence during anti-tax demos on June 25, 2024. [Collins Oduor, Standard]

Learning in various parts of the country experienced disruption over ongoing demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2024.

While some schools opted for an early midterm break, those yet to break within areas affected by the protest were also shut down due to concern over students’ safety.

A spot check by The Standard on Tuesday revealed that some day schools within Nairobi advised parents not to send their children to school.

Dozens of parents interviewed by The Standard also indicated that they did not send their children to school due to safety concerns.

One parent who had released her children to school indicated that she was forced to go back and pick them up.

“The life of my child is more important than anything else. His security is guaranteed at home rather than at school,” said Maurine Achieng, a parent at Moi Avenue Primary School.

School calendar

Originally scheduled for June 20th to 23rd, the mid-term break was moved to June 26 to 28, according to a revised school calendar.

It has also emerged that some schools have extended the midterm break initially set to run for only three days to a week.

In Moi Avenue Primary School, for example, the midterm will run for seven days from June 24 to June 30.

However, the Education ministry has insisted that the midterm break dates remain unchanged.

In contrast, other schools like Upperhill Secondary School did not face any disruption with school operations still on and is expected to break today for the midterm break.

Mid-term exams

Also unaffected were Ofafa Jericho, Aquinas High School where students continued with their mid-term examinations.

“Our students are in school sitting exams. We will release them once the security of our learners is assured,” said Ofafa Jericho Principal Antony Thuo.

The protests also caused logistical problems for students breaking for the midterm break today.

Teachers interviewed indicated that they faced transportation difficulties as matatu operators opted to stay off the roads fearing damage to their vehicles. 

“I have trekked my way from Pipeline to school, five kilometres away,” a teacher at Jogoo Road Primary said.

Parents also raised concerns that children going home for midterm break could encounter logistical challenges.

The Ministry of Education has yet to issue any directive or protocols to ensure children's safety during the demonstration period.

While the break disrupts educational schedules, parents said the focus remains on ensuring the safety of students and faculty during these demonstrations.