KENYAN SCHOOLS REMAIN SHUT AMID DEMO FEARS
Many schools in Nairobi City remain eerily quiet as parents grapple with the decision of whether to send their children to school amidst escalating anti-government demonstrations. Fear of violence and uncertainty looms over the education system, prompting some schools to remain closed while others operate with minimal attendance.
In an effort to safeguard students’ well-being, several schools opted to keep their doors shut. Messages were sent to parents, notifying them of the closure due to planned demonstrations. One such message read, The children were sent home with extra work to complete under supervision.
Another school in Rongai took a hybrid approach, planning physical classes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, while utilizing online platforms on Tuesday and Thursday. The priority was clear: protect the children from potential harm during the unrest.
At Moi Avenue Primary School, located within Nairobi’s bustling Central Business District, learners did not show up, but teachers reported for duty. However, they soon left as tension escalated. Tear gas canisters were lobbed at protestors, even reaching the school compound last week. A concerned parent, expressed his apprehension: “We weren’t asked to take children to school, but I couldn’t have allowed my children to come to school under such circumstances.”
Jamhuri High School, situated in the Ngara area, remained closed after the mid-term break. Learning is expected to resume tomorrow (Wednesday). Meanwhile, St. Brigid’s Public Primary School in the Pumwani area saw only ten out of 250 learners in the morning. Teachers released them to go home, acknowledging that parents’ decisions were crucial for student safety.
The ongoing demonstrations are taking a toll on education. At St. Brigid’s, a teacher lamented, “The demonstrations are now affecting learning because even yesterday, only 50 learners turned up, and we still don’t know what will happen tomorrow or on Thursday and next week.” Nearby schools, including Dr. Aggrey Primary School and Muslim Primary School, also remained devoid of students.
Parents at Muthaiga Primary School were seen withdrawing their children, concerned about their safety. The delicate balance between education and security hangs in the balance as Kenya grapples with socio-political unrest.
As the government races against time to address the underlying issues fueling the protests, schools remain caught in the crossfire. The hope is that stability will return, allowing students to resume their studies without fear.
