As Kenya braces for potential unrest during the Saba Saba protests on Monday, July 7, at least 20 learning institutions have asked their learners to remain at home as a safety precaution. Concerns over renewed demonstrations, especially along volatile areas such as Thika Road, have prompted several schools to cancel in-person classes for the day, opting instead to offer academic work remotely.
A report by Kwetucollections.co.ke confirms that both public and private schools have issued formal communications to parents and guardians urging them to keep children home due to “uncertainties” surrounding the protests. The calls for caution follow past demonstrations in late June that disrupted transport, schooling, and daily life in parts of Nairobi and other urban centres.
Schools Move to Protect Learners Amid Protest Fears
One renowned private school issued a detailed circular to parents explaining its decision:
“To ensure that learning continues uninterrupted, our teachers will prepare adequate academic work for your child, aligned to their regular timetable. This work is aimed at reinforcing key concepts and helping the students prepare for the upcoming End of Term Examinations.”
Another school noted:
“This closure is due to the prevailing uncertainties surrounding the day, particularly with respect to safety concerns. It is purely a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone.”
Although the decision to cancel physical classes is not universal, the affected schools have stated that students will resume normal learning on Tuesday, July 8, assuming no further escalation of tension.
Thika Road Remains a Major Concern
A notable number of the schools that have suspended learning on Monday are located in residential neighborhoods along the busy Thika Superhighway — or operate bus routes that serve the area. During the most recent round of demonstrations on June 25, 2025, Thika Road was among the hardest-hit areas, with protesters blocking traffic using burning tyres, stones, and barricades. Police were forced to disperse crowds, causing further disruption and safety concerns.
The Thika Road corridor, which houses a large number of day schools and commuter routes, is especially sensitive to any form of public unrest. In anticipation of similar activities on July 7, both school administrations and parents appear to be taking no chances.
Parents Divided but Cautious
Some schools have remained silent on whether learners should report on Monday, leaving the decision up to parents. A parent who spoke to Kenyans.co.ke explained that many guardians are leaning toward keeping children home, even without formal directives from schools.
“Usually, when the protests are there, they release them early from school. But I could choose to keep mine at home tomorrow. We’ll see,” said the parent.
The cautious stance among parents reflects growing anxiety over the potential for confrontations between police and protestors, which in previous years have led to injuries and school closures on short notice.
Government Insists Monday is a Normal Working Day
Despite widespread speculation about possible unrest and uncertainty, the Kenyan government has not declared Monday, July 7, a public holiday. Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku on Sunday reaffirmed that all civil servants and public officers are expected to report to work as usual.
Speaking in Embu County during a church service attended by President William Ruto, CS Ruku warned that failure to show up for duty would lead to disciplinary action.
“We are aware of the ongoing political debate, but I want to make it clear that July 7 is not a holiday. Any civil servant who fails to report to work will face consequences,” said Ruku.
His comments underscore the government’s commitment to ensuring that public services continue, despite calls for mass action from protest organizers and civil rights activists.
The Significance of Saba Saba Day in Kenya
Saba Saba Day is marked annually on July 7 to commemorate the historic 1990 protests that demanded the return of multiparty democracy in Kenya. It remains a powerful symbol of civic resistance and youth-driven political activism.
In recent years, the day has been repurposed by activists and opposition figures to protest economic hardship, government policy, and youth unemployment. This year’s commemoration comes amid heightened political tension, with some groups calling for mass protests against the government’s economic reforms, especially taxation and cost of living issues.
While many civil society leaders have emphasized the peaceful nature of the planned protests, there are fears that rogue elements could infiltrate and spark violence — especially in urban areas.
Youth Leaders Call for Dialogue With the President
In a related development, the Association of County Students Associations Presidents – Kenya (ACSAPK) has called on President Ruto to convene a national youth dialogue. The association believes a direct conversation between youth leaders and the executive is critical to resolving long-standing grievances around education, job opportunities, and access to funding.
“We are calling for structured engagement between the state and young people. The future of this country belongs to us, and our voices must be heard,” said ACSAPK Chairperson Linda Wambui.
The students’ leaders say peaceful engagement will yield better results than confrontation, and they have appealed to both government and youth protestors to exercise restraint and protect public property.
Authorities Urged to Show Restraint
With the tension building ahead of Monday, human rights groups and civil society organizations have urged both protestors and police to exercise maximum restraint.
Groups like the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and Amnesty International Kenya have released joint statements stressing the importance of peaceful assembly and lawful enforcement.
“We remind law enforcement agencies that the right to protest is protected under Article 37 of the Constitution. Any use of force must be lawful, necessary, and proportionate,” said KHRC in a weekend release.
Conclusion
As Kenya prepares for another significant Saba Saba Day, the decision by over 20 schools to suspend learning on July 7 underscores growing fears about safety amid political demonstrations. While the government maintains that it will be a normal working day, many parents and institutions are choosing to prioritize precaution.
The coming days will reveal whether July 7, 2025, will be remembered for peaceful demonstrations or once again marked by chaos and disruption — particularly for Kenya’s learners, whose education and safety remain at the heart of the national conversation.