Kisumu schools to stay closed on Monday over Saba Saba protest fears
Anti-Finance Bill protesters match on the streets of Kisumu City on June 25, 2024.
What you need to know:
- This advisory comes despite Kisumu having remained largely peaceful during the Gen Z-led protests on June 25.
- To ensure continuity of learning during the one-day closure, pupils will be provided with home-based assignments.
Several schools in Kisumu County will remain closed on Monday July 7, 2025, as a precautionary measure ahead of the nationwide Saba Saba demonstrations.
School administrators have urged parents to keep their children at home, citing concerns over safety and potential unrest.
This advisory comes despite Kisumu having remained largely peaceful during the Gen Z-led protests on June 25 which disrupted business in several regions across Kenya.
“Due to the planned Saba Saba demonstrations taking place countrywide, we advise our learners to remain at home on Monday for safety reasons. This decision has been reached based on guidance from relevant authorities,” read a circular issued by Hekima School.
The notice further emphasised: “The safety and well-being of our learners and staff are our top priority. We cannot guarantee a secure environment for them to attend school on that day.”
Also announcing a temporary closure as a precautionary safety measure is Aga Khan Primary School.
In a notice to parents and guardians, the school’s management cited security concerns following consultations with safety and security advisors.
“After discussions with our safety and security consultants, and in light of recent developments, we have decided to take a precautionary approach. Accordingly, our school will remain closed on Monday, July 7, 2025. Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, July 8, 2025,” the statement read.
To ensure continuity of learning during the one-day closure, pupils will be provided with home-based assignments.
The school urged parents to support their children in following the study plan and reassured families of a safe return once the situation stabilises.
Though the city was unscathed during the previous protests, parents have voiced apprehensions noting Kisumu’s long-standing vulnerability during periods of political agitation.
“We cannot risk sending our children to school on Monday. Kisumu has a troubling history when it comes to demonstrations. Though it remained calm on June 25, tomorrow may tell a different story,” said Zachary Ogutu, a concerned parent.
In response, some institutions have transitioned to virtual learning for the day.
Makini School Kisumu informed parents that classes scheduled for Monday will be conducted online via Microsoft Teams with in-person learning expected to resume on Tuesday, July 8.
“Due to the planned Saba Saba protests, learning will be conducted online via Microsoft Teams on that day,” read the school’s communique.
However, some schools like Zoar Academy have opted to continue with normal operations despite the anticipated protests.
“We are aware of the planned Saba Saba protests scheduled for tomorrow. However, it is still unclear whether Kisumu will experience any disruptions,” the school said in a communication to parents.
“Please note that lessons will proceed as usual with the hope that the day remains peaceful for our learners and the broader Kisumu community,” the statement added.
The school also welcomed updates from parents, stating: “If any of you have more accurate or updated information regarding the situation, particularly if there are safety concerns, do not hesitate to share it with us.”