Saba Saba: Schools, businesses brace for possible disruptions

By Newsflash Writer

Numerous schools and businesses, particularly in Nairobi and other major towns, are anticipating interruptions on Monday amid rising tension ahead of planned demonstrations.

Several schools have already informed parents that classes will be suspended due to safety concerns, citing the likelihood of unrest, blocked roads, and insecurity.

The move comes in response to calls from civil society groups and activists urging Kenyans to join mass protests on July 7 to commemorate the 1990 pro-democracy movement.

By Saturday afternoon, the Ministry of Education had not made any official announcement on whether learning would proceed as normal. Education experts noted that the silence from authorities has left the decision to individual school heads, many of whom are leaning toward caution.

Fuaad Ali, chair of the Kenya Primary School Heads Association, urged school administrators to prioritize the safety of learners and staff.
“If there are no guarantees of security, schools should close for the day,” he advised.

In the capital, a number of day schools have already notified parents they will not open on Monday. A parent from Moi Avenue Primary School in Nairobi’s Central Business District confirmed receiving a message asking them not to send their children to school.

Concerns over transport, exposure to chaos, and the inability of staff to report safely were the main reasons cited by school administrators.
“We’re deeply concerned about the safety of our teachers and learners. We would rather not risk anything. Kindly keep your children at home,” read one of the school notices.

Another notice shared with parents stated: “Due to the anticipated protests on Monday, July 7, classes will not be held. Learners are advised to return on Tuesday, July 8, during regular school hours. Thank you.”

Transport paralysis and safety fears

Charles Ochome, chair of the Kenya Private Schools Association, also raised the alarm over possible transport paralysis, especially in the morning when protests are expected to intensify.
“This is a serious concern for many school heads,” said Ochome, noting that in past protests, police had closed roads and limited access to schools.

He added, “With roads likely to be blocked or slowed by both protesters and security forces, many students—especially those relying on public transport—might be unable to reach school or return home safely.”

Though day schools face the most immediate risk, boarding institutions may also be affected. Teachers residing outside school premises could struggle to report for duty, raising concerns over student supervision and continuity of lessons.
“If roads are inaccessible or matatus are off the roads, teachers won’t be able to come to work,” said a deputy principal from a Nairobi boarding school.

Meanwhile, Nairobi traders are urging the government to ensure safety of businesses during Monday’s protests.

Traders James Mwura and John Kirima said they are worried about looting and destruction, citing incidents from last week where their premises were broken into and windows smashed.

“The losses we incurred during the last protests were enormous,” said Mwura, warning that continued unrest could cripple their businesses.

Some are even considering hiring private security to guard their shops during the demonstrations.
Kirima said his electronics shop suffered damages worth over Sh1 million, while another trader lost goods worth more than Sh800,000.

He urged the government to offer financial assistance to help small businesses restock after suffering damages during previous unrest.
“We’ve had to spend heavily on repairs and replacements. We are appealing for state support,” said Kirima.

Public transport operators have also expressed concern, fearing they may have to pull vehicles off the roads if violence breaks out, which would hinder access to schools. The Motorists Association of Kenya has called on the police and the government to respect citizens’ right to peaceful protest as outlined in Article 37 of the Constitution.

“What happened on June 25 was unacceptable. Peaceful protesters were met with violence. Instead of providing protection, police became the threat,” the association stated.

It also condemned road blockades and threats to transport services, calling for clear protocols to protect both learners and the public during future protests.