Nationwide, Kenya – The Saba Saba Day protests have dealt a significant blow to Kenya’s education sector, with schools across the country—including in Nairobi, Kiambu, and Nakuru—either shuttered entirely or operating at bare minimum capacity. The nationwide disruption stems from an expansive police security operation that has seen roadblocks erected on key routes, preventing students and teachers alike from accessing learning institutions.

In Nairobi, the normally lively Moi Avenue Primary School sat eerily silent, its compound empty of the usual morning bustle. Similar scenes played out in schools across Kiambu and other urban centers, where fear of violence and logistical paralysis kept learners at home.

Faced with the escalating crisis, some schools have opted to send students home preemptively. Institutions like Unity Comprehensive in Umoja made early dismissals, while others have urged parents to prepare for remote learning arrangements should the unrest persist.

The situation has also affected national events. The Kenya Music Festival, slated to take place in the Rift Valley, has been postponed due to mounting security concerns—adding cultural loss to the growing list of disruptions.

While the closures have sparked frustration among parents and educators, many also acknowledge the reality of the situation. “The safety of our children must come first,” one parent noted, even as they expressed concern over the mounting learning losses.

The episode underscores the far-reaching consequences of political unrest, affecting not only government institutions but the everyday rhythm of Kenyan life—including one of its most critical pillars: education.