Anxiety has gripped parents and school heads across the country as planned Saba Saba protests set for Monday, July 7, force several learning institutions to shut down over safety concerns.

Schools in cities and towns began issuing notices to parents over the weekend, asking them to keep their children at home due to fears that the demonstrations could turn chaotic. Management teams said they would monitor the situation before resuming classes.

“Dear Parents and Guardians, we hope this message finds you well. We would like to inform you that due to safety concerns, learners are advised not to come to school on Monday 7th July, 2025,” one notice seen by Radio Generation Kenya read.

“This decision has been made with the safety and well-being of our students and staff as our top priority. We encourage you to keep your children at home and safe.”

Other schools that have confirmed closures include Laiser Hill, Eldo Joymax Academy in Eldoret, Consolata School, and Thika Road Christian Academy, among others.

The protests, led by Gen Z and backed by civil society organisations, are expected to peak on Monday, marking the anniversary of the 1990 Saba Saba demonstrations that led to major political reforms in Kenya.

The Education Stakeholders Association of Kenya has expressed concern over the growing number of school closures triggered by protest-related fears.

“Yesterday parents started receiving text messages from schools that children should not report on Monday 7th July 2025 (Saba Saba) because of intended demonstrations that sometimes degenerate into chaos and bloody confrontation between demonstrators and the security agencies,” said Ndung’u Wangenye, National Secretary of the association.

“Last week Wednesday, June 25, 2025, parents received similar communication from respective schools,” he added.

Wangenye warned that repeated interruptions were putting pressure on the academic calendar, at a time when schools are still adjusting to the Competency-Based Education system.

At the same time, the Motorists Association of Kenya has issued five key demands to the government ahead of the protests, insisting that peaceful demonstrations must be protected as a constitutional right.

“It is therefore the duty of the government, through the National Police Service, to facilitate these rights, not to frustrate, endanger, or criminalize them,” the association said in a statement on Saturday.

The group urged the police to protect peaceful protesters from criminal gangs or hired groups that may attempt to cause violence, and asked officers to act professionally and avoid using live bullets, tear gas or force.

They also called for unhindered public transport, freedom of movement for motorists, and protection of businesses from looting or destruction.

Referring to the June 25 protests, the association criticised the police for unleashing violence instead of providing safety to the public.

However, the National Police Service has maintained that it has not received formal notice from organisers about the planned demonstrations.

Speaking on Citizen TV last Thursday, Police Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said protest organisers must seek clearance, warning that illegal gatherings could lead to chaos and arrests.

“Illegal protests often descend into chaos and destruction of property,” he said.