Schools, universities shut down, shift to online classes

Anti-riot police officers' vehicle drives past remains of chaos of the aftermath of protests in Kitengela during Saba Saba protests. [Collins Oduor, Standard] Learning was disrupted in many schools and colleges around the country on Monday following a lockdown by the government over plans to hold demonstrations on the 35th commemoration of Saba Saba. Several private schools and universities announced they would transition to remote operations. Multiple schools across the country have announced suspensions of in-person learning for Monday, July 7, opting instead for remote instruction or outright closures. A spot check by The Standard found that Moi Avenue Primary School, which is at the heart of Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD), remained closed on Monday with anticipated protests. Rusinga Schools and Breaburn along Gitanga Road also remained closed. Sylvester Nyongesa, a security officer at Moi Avenue Primary School, told The Standard that the school had not issued any formal notice that the school would not be operating today, but learners did not report this morning. "Some teachers came in the morning, but they went back when they realised that there was no turnout," Nyongesa told the Standard. A parent in Ongata Rongai told The Standard that she was stranded with her child when they tried to find their way to Langata Primary, but there were no vehicles on the road. "I took my son back to the house and I took a motorbike to work, for which I was charged Sh1,000 to CBD," she said. On Friday, several institutions announced that they will not be opening, while others announced they will shift classes online. Parents who spoke to The Standard expressed the need for the safety of their children. "I'd rather my child miss one day of school than risk being caught in chaos," Grace Mwangi, a parent at St. Mary's Sportsview Academy, said. However, others raised concerns about learning disruptions. "Online lessons don't always work well for younger children," David Omondi, whose son attends Makini Schools, told the Standard. A spot-check at the University of Nairobi also found that the institution remained closed on Monday. A second-year student in the institution told the Standard that most of their classes were done online and that their Monday classes had been scheduled to take place online. A similar situation was witnessed at the Technical University of Kenya(TUK). However, despite the classes being cancelled, students who spoke to the Standard said they were not offered any option of online classes. A number of schools had earlier announced that they would suspend their in-person classes on Monday. Eldo Joymax Academy in Eldoret informed parents via letter that learners should stay home. "Due to the uncertainty surrounding Monday, 7th July 2025 and parents' concerns about the safety of our children, we have decided that all learners should not come to school on the said day," School Director, Eldo Joymax Academy. Similarly, Emmamy Group of Schools in Nairobi noted the risks associated with student commutes, calling on parents not to send their children to school on Monday. "As a day school, we are fully aware that our learners either walk to school, are dropped off by parents, or use school transport. In light of the uncertainties that come with such public activities, we believe it is best to avoid any risk." Emmamy Group of Schools Management said. Regis Runda Academy and St. Mary's Sportsview Academy also confirmed closures, with the latter urging parents to "stay alert and safe." Regis Runda Academy outlined a dual approach, with some classes conducting live lessons while others would assign work via Google Classroom. "We anticipate a return to normal, physical schooling on Tuesday, 8th July, subject to how the situation unfolds." Clifford Olucchi, Regis Runda Academy, said in the notice seen by the Standard. Several universities also announced that they will be moving their classes online to virtual learning to minimise disruptions. Mount Kenya University (Nairobi Campus) issued an internal memo directing faculty to conduct lectures via Microsoft Teams. "Due to the anticipated unrest occasioned by the protests, it has been decided that Monday classes will be taught online." Dr. Charles Karuga, Director, Nairobi Campus, said in a notice. Strathmore University and USIU-Africa followed suit, with USIU's administration encouraging students and faculty to prepare for online delivery.

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