Schools on edge as Saba Saba protests loom
The protests, led by Gen Z activists and supported by civil society groups, are expected to peak on Monday, July 7, marking the anniversary of the 1990 Saba Saba demonstrations that pushed for democratic reforms in Kenya.
Uncertainty and anxiety have gripped parents and education stakeholders as some schools in towns and cities across Kenya announce closures ahead of the planned Saba Saba protests on Monday, July 7.
Several institutions have sent notices to parents advising them not to send learners to school, citing safety concerns for both students and staff. School heads indicated they would monitor the situation before resuming normal operations.
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The protests, led by Gen Z activists and supported by civil society groups, are expected to peak on Monday, July 7, marking the anniversary of the 1990 Saba Saba demonstrations that pushed for democratic reforms in Kenya.
“Dear parents and guardians, we hope this message finds you well. We would like to inform you that due to safety concerns, learners are advised not to come to school on Monday, July 7, 2025. This decision has been made with the safety and well-being of our students and staff as our top priority. We encourage you to keep your children at home and safe. We appreciate your understanding and co-operation. Regards Management,” read a notice seen by the Eastleigh Voice.
The coordinated move by schools comes amid rising fears that the demonstrations could paralyse operations in major towns and transport routes and spark confrontations between protestors and police.
The Education Stakeholders Association of Kenya (ESAK) has expressed concern over the frequent disruption of learning caused by ongoing demonstrations.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the association said school closures are becoming more common, especially in areas likely to experience unrest.
“Yesterday, parents started receiving text messages from schools that children should not report on Monday, July 7, 2025 (Saba Saba) because of intended demonstrations that sometimes degenerate into chaos and bloody confrontation between demonstrators and the security agencies. Last Wednesday, June 25, 2025, parents received similar communication from respective schools,” said ESAK National Secretary Ndung’u Wangenye.
Wangenye warned that the continued interruptions are putting pressure on the academic calendar, particularly as schools are still trying to fully implement the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system.
Meanwhile, the Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) has issued five key demands to the government ahead of the Saba Saba protests, insisting that peaceful demonstrations must be respected and facilitated as a constitutional right, not treated as a threat.
In a statement released on Saturday, July 5, the association reminded authorities that the right to protest is guaranteed under Article 37 of the Constitution.
“It is therefore the duty of the government, through the National Police Service (NPS), to facilitate these rights, not to frustrate, endanger, or criminalise them,” the association stated.
The group urged police to ensure peaceful demonstrators are given safe passage and protected from criminal elements and hired groups that may attempt to spark violence.
They also called on officers to act with professionalism and avoid the use of tear gas, live bullets or excessive force against unarmed protesters.
Further, the association asked that public transport be allowed to operate without interference and that motorists be given unhindered access across Nairobi and its outskirts.
Shops and businesses, it added, must be shielded from looting or destruction to allow normal economic activity to continue.
Referring to the protests held on June 25, the lobby criticised police conduct, accusing officers of unleashing violence rather than providing protection.
However, NPS has distanced itself from the upcoming demonstrations, saying no formal notification has been received.
In an interview with Citizen TV on Thursday, Police Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said organisers must seek clearance before holding protests.
While acknowledging that the right to demonstrate is protected under the law, Nyaga warned that participating in protests without notifying police could result in legal action.
“Illegal protests often descend into chaos and destruction of property,” he added.
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