A number of learning institutions across Kenya have announced the closure of their premises on Monday, July 7, 2025, in anticipation of the Saba Saba protests, citing safety concerns for learners and staff.
According to Kenyans.co.ke, at least 20 schools, mostly in Nairobi and along Thika Road, have issued official communications to parents advising them to keep their children at home. The move comes amid growing unease over possible disruptions and unrest expected during Monday’s demonstrations.
“To ensure that learning continues uninterrupted, our teachers will prepare adequate academic work for your child, aligned to their regular timetable,” read a circular from one private school. “This work is aimed at reinforcing key concepts and helping the students prepare for the upcoming End of Term Examinations.”
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Another school stated, “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.”
The planned demonstrations, aligned with the historic Saba Saba Day, follow a recent wave of anti-government protests that have rocked major towns across the country.
During the June 25 protests, Thika Road emerged as one of the flashpoints, with demonstrators barricading roads and lighting bonfires, bringing traffic to a standstill for hours.
Schools located along this route and in neighboring residential estates appear to be the most affected, with school bus routes also playing a key role in the closure decision.
While not all institutions have made formal declarations, some parents have independently opted to keep their children at home. “Usually, when protests erupt, schools release learners early. But I may just choose to keep mine at home tomorrow, just in case,” one parent told Kenyans.co.ke.
Most schools indicated that classes will resume as normal on Tuesday, July 8.
Saba Saba Day, which translates to “Seven Seven,” is commemorated annually in Kenya to mark the pro-democracy movement of July 7, 1990, when citizens took to the streets demanding multiparty democracy. Though not a public holiday, it remains a significant date for political activism and public expression.
As tension builds, several leaders and organizations have called for peace during the protests. The Association of County Students Associations Presidents–Kenya (ACSAPK) has urged President William Ruto to convene a national youth dialogue to address the root causes of the discontent.
Meanwhile, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has ordered all government employees to report to duty as usual on Monday.
Speaking in Embu County during a church service attended by President Ruto, Ruku warned of disciplinary action against any public servant who skips work.
Authorities are expected to be on high alert on Monday, as Kenyans brace for what could be another tense and eventful Saba Saba Day.
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