Anticipation of Potential Disruptions Tomorrow Among Educational Institutions and Commercial Establishments
On July 7, 2025, Nairobi was hit by significant disruptions as Saba Saba Day protests took place. The demonstrations, which have been a source of ongoing frustration among young Kenyans over economic issues, corruption, and police brutality, led to roadblocks, business closures, and likely school closures in the city's central areas.
The protests, which sometimes spiraled into violence and looting, causing deaths and destruction of property, resulted in a de facto shutdown of normal economic and educational activities. Many businesses in Nairobi closed down completely for the day, while schools in the affected areas may have faced closures or low attendance due to the tense security situation and restricted movement.
The Kenya Private Schools Association chairman, Charles Ochome, mentioned transport paralysis as a major concern for school administrators, with the Motorists Association of Kenya also urging the government and police to uphold the constitutional right to protest under Article 37, while condemning road blockages and transport disruptions during protests. Matatu operators also feared grounding their fleets if unrest erupted, further complicating access to schools.
Several day schools in Nairobi have confirmed they will remain closed on Monday, with some boarding schools anticipating disruptions due to staff inability to access workplaces. The Kenya Primary Schools Heads Association chairperson, Fuad Ali, urged school heads to prioritize safety, while the Nairobi Hospital dismissed a report of a takeover by a splinter group.
Historically, Saba Saba commemorations have been symbolic and non-disruptive, but recent protest fatalities have added uncertainty to this year's events. Two people were killed in Kagemi as police clashed with protesters on Saba Saba Day.
James Mwaura, a local business owner, lost Sh1 million in stock at his electronics shop during last week's protests, reflecting the severe impact on Nairobi's economic and social activities. John Kirima, a watch dealer, called for government funding to help restock businesses affected by recent protests.
The National Police Service has not yet issued any advisory on roads that may be closed during the protests, adding to the uncertainty faced by businesses and schools in the city. The Ministry of Education has not issued an official statement about whether learning will continue tomorrow, leaving school heads and parents in a state of uncertainty.
As the city braces for another day of protests, the focus remains on maintaining peace and ensuring the safety of Nairobi's residents and businesses. The disruptions caused by the Saba Saba Day protests serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Kenyans in their pursuit of economic and social justice.
- The protests on Saba Saba Day caused significant disruptions in Nairobi, affecting not only businesses but also education-and-self-development institutions due to roadblocks and transport paralysis.
- The Kenya Private Schools Association chairman emphasized transport paralysis as a major concern, urging the government to respect citizens' constitutional right to protest while minimizing transport disruptions.
- As a result of the unrest, several day schools in Nairobi remained closed, and some boarding schools anticipated disruptions due to staff inability to access workplaces, highlighting the impact of the protests on education.
