Fuel Price Protests Disrupt Learning as Nairobi Schools Suspend Classes
Several schools in Nairobi suspended learning on Monday as demonstrations over rising fuel prices disrupted transport services and raised safety concerns among parents, learners, and school administrators.
The ongoing demonstrations over fuel prices have affected transport nearly across all major roads in Nairobi. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Several private schools across Nairobi remained closed on Monday after demonstrations linked to rising fuel prices disrupted transport services and movement within the city.
The protests, which affected major roads and public transport operations, left many parents unable or unwilling to send their children to school due to safety concerns.
A number of parents said they received communication from schools advising them to keep learners at home after school transport services were suspended.
“I could not send my children to school after the school informed us that buses would not operate because of the demonstrations,” said Vincent Kamau, a parent whose children attend a private school in Embakasi.
Another parent, James Kiragu, said he chose not to risk taking his young daughter to school amid fears of unrest.
“I appreciate the school for taking precautionary measures because the roads may not be safe during such protests,” he said.
On Monday morning, several roads in Nairobi were barricaded with stones and burning tyres as protesters staged demonstrations over the rising cost of fuel and the high cost of living.
In some areas, groups of demonstrators reportedly blocked roads completely, while others turned sections of the streets into makeshift football grounds, causing heavy traffic disruptions.
Some parents who had already taken their children to school were later forced to pick them up after the security situation worsened and transport became unreliable.
Victor Musyoka, a school bus driver, said many drivers avoided operating due to fears of being caught up in violent protests.
“Most drivers feared for their safety because some vehicles were reportedly attacked during the demonstrations,” he said.
A school administrator from a private institution told Wananchi Reporting that the decision to suspend learning was purely meant to protect students and staff following widespread transport disruptions.
The unrest also affected families with children in public schools, especially those who depend on private transport to access learning institutions after many transport operators withdrew vehicles from the roads citing insecurity concerns.
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