Schools start closing as turbulent second term comes to an end

Schools have started sending learners home for the August holiday ahead of the official closing day on Friday, July 31.

The closure marks the end of second term, bringing to a close one of the most turbulent learning periods the country has witnessed in recent times.

The 14-week term was marked by widespread student unrest and school fires, raising concerns over learner fatigue and administrative pressure.

More than 330 cases of student disturbances and 95 school fires were reported, prompting the Ministry of Education to initiate multi-stakeholder safety reviews.

Some schools also halted high-pressure continuous assessments in an effort to de-escalate tensions.

A five-day mid-term break was enforced from June 24 to June 28 to give learners and families a period of relief and guidance.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba subsequently announced plans to rationalise the academic calendar from next year, with the aim of balancing all terms at 12 weeks and reducing learner exhaustion.

As schools close, the pressure shifts to parents and guardians, who are expected to use the holiday to guide their children's behaviour before schools reopen on August 24.

The closure has also been welcomed by the general public, particularly in Nairobi, where schools contribute significantly to peak-hour traffic congestion.

"Thika Road crew good morning. Schools are now closing ni kama shida zetu zitapungua," one person said.

The closing period has once again placed the spotlight on school transport safety following an accident involving two school buses in West Pokot that left 13 people injured.

The crash has raised questions about whether schools and transport operators are adhering to safety requirements covering vehicle condition, driver fatigue, journey planning and speed management, particularly amid adverse weather and poor road infrastructure.

The period traditionally records increased movement of school buses and higher traffic volumes as learners travel from school.

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has consistently urged operators to ensure vehicles are inspected for roadworthiness and properly licensed before transporting learners.

"Every crash involving a school bus should trigger not only an investigation into the immediate cause but also a review of whether current school transport standards, driver training and operational oversight are sufficient to protect learners," a stakeholder said.

"More importantly, the lessons drawn should strengthen school transport safety before the next academic term."

Meanwhile, as schools close, detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) have intensified a nationwide sensitisation campaign against drug and substance abuse, reaching learners and communities across the country.

The campaign comes at a critical time as schools break for the August holiday, when learners may be more exposed to negative influences and peer pressure.

The teams are engaging chiefs, their assistants, Nyumba Kumi leaders and village security committee members on identifying commonly abused drugs, strengthening community vigilance and improving collaboration to disrupt drug trafficking through information sharing.

"As learners begin the holiday, parents and guardians are encouraged to remain actively engaged by fostering open conversations, providing guidance, and creating supportive environments that help children make safe, informed and responsible decisions," the DCI said in a statement.

NTSA regional teams are also conducting joint enforcement operations along major highways to enhance transport safety in light of increased traffic flow as schools close.