Nakuru private schools ask pupils to stay home on Monday ahead of Saba saba protests

Talk of demonstrations on Monday, July 7, to mark Saba Saba has sparked growing concern among parents, given the recent wave of violent protests that have affected learning institutions in the past.

With Monday being a school day, uncertainty looms over whether pupils and students will attend classes amid fears of disruptions. 

Parents in Nakuru have expressed worry over their children's safety, citing past incidents where schoolchildren were caught in the chaos, including being teargassed during protests.

In response, several private schools in Nakuru have already informed parents not to send their children to school on Monday. 

At Victonell Academy, parents received a message stating, "Good evening, kindly note there will be no school on Monday." The message confirmed that classes will resume on Tuesday, July 8, 2025.

PCEA Jitegemea Schools - Suburb also issued a statement saying, "We wish to inform you that due to the scheduled protests on Monday, 7th July 2025 (Saba Saba), the school will be closed on that day. For the safety of our students and staff, we kindly request that you do not send your child/children to school." The school assured parents that normal activities would resume on Tuesday.

Other schools that have confirmed closure include Excel Academy, Nakuru Elite, and Crater Montessori Academy.

Patricia Njoroge, a parent at Freehold Comprehensive School, says that although she has not yet received any official communication from the school, she has already decided not to let her son attend classes on Monday due to safety concerns.

"The school is yet to communicate, but I will not let him attend school tomorrow because of security reasons, especially in the afternoon when the protests tend to turn chaotic," she says.

She adds that keeping him at home gives her peace of mind. 

"At least I know where he is, rather than dealing with the uncertainty if protesters end up near the school," she says 

Nakuru County Director of Education, Victoria Mulili, maintains that Monday remains a normal school day. 

“Schools are expected to be open. We have engaged with security agencies to ensure the safety of students,” she says. 

She adds that school heads have been advised not to release students during the protests.

For public schools, the final decision appears to lie with parents, many of whom are still weighing whether to send their children to school or keep them home for safety.