NAIROBI, Kenya- Several private schools across Kenya have advised parents not to return learners to school on Monday over fears of disruptions linked to planned nationwide protests against the sharp rise in fuel prices.
The advisories come as transport operators, motorists, boda boda riders and taxi associations prepare for a countrywide strike on May 18 to protest the latest fuel price review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
One private school, in a message sent to parents and guardians, said it had suspended physical classes on Monday as a “proactive safety update” due to the anticipated transport disruption.
“Due to the announced nationwide transport disruption, keeping school open would create unnecessary travel challenges for many families. Closing for the day ensures that no champion or staff member is put at risk or inconvenienced getting to and from school,” read part of the communication seen by Y News.
The school said it would monitor the situation and issue further communication on Monday evening regarding Tuesday’s learning schedule.
The move reflects growing anxiety among schools and parents following calls for mass protests after the government announced steep fuel price increases effective May 15.
Under the latest review, the price of super petrol in Nairobi rose by Sh16.65 to retail at Sh214.25 per litre, while diesel surged by Sh46.29 to a record Sh242.92 per litre.
The hikes have sparked outrage across the country, with transport operators accusing the government of worsening the already high cost of living.
The Transport Alliance, which brings together matatu operators, motorists, boda boda associations, digital cab operators and freight transporters, announced plans for nationwide protests and warned of possible paralysis in transport services.
Some operators have already announced a 50 percent increase in fares, saying rising fuel costs have made operations unsustainable.
Public anger has also spilled online, where Kenyans have criticised the fuel hikes and questioned the transparency of the pricing mechanism despite the government’s use of billions from the Petroleum Development Levy Fund to cushion consumers.
A petition has already been filed at the Milimani High Court seeking to suspend the latest fuel price increases, arguing that the decision by EPRA was unconstitutional and punitive to consumers.
As tension mounts ahead of Monday’s planned protests, parents expressed fears that learners could be stranded or caught up in demonstrations if schools remained open.
The government had not issued an official directive on school operations by Sunday evening, but institutions appeared to be taking precautionary measures amid uncertainty over the planned industrial action.
