Schools across Kenya have begun closing their doors for the August holiday, ahead of the official end of the second term on July 31. This term, spanning 14 weeks, has been one of the most challenging in recent memory due to widespread student unrest and safety incidents.

During the term, more than 330 cases of student disturbances and 95 school fires were reported, prompting the Ministry of Education to launch safety reviews involving multiple stakeholders. Some schools responded by suspending continuous assessments to ease tensions among learners.

A mid-term break was enforced from June 24 to June 28 to provide relief and guidance to students and families. Following these events, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba announced plans to restructure the academic calendar starting next year. The new plan aims to standardize term lengths to 12 weeks each, reducing learner fatigue and administrative pressure.

Holiday Guidance and Public Reaction

As schools close, the responsibility now shifts to parents and guardians to provide guidance during the holiday period ahead of reopening on August 24. The general public, especially in Nairobi, has welcomed the closures, noting a potential reduction in peak-hour traffic congestion.

School Transport Safety Under Scrutiny

The closing period has also raised concerns about school transport safety, particularly following a recent accident in West Pokot involving two school buses that injured 13 people. This incident has intensified calls for strict adherence to vehicle maintenance, driver fitness, route planning, and speed regulations, especially under challenging weather and road conditions.

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) continues to urge operators to ensure all school transport vehicles are roadworthy and properly licensed. Stakeholders emphasize that every school bus accident should trigger comprehensive reviews of safety standards and operational oversight to safeguard learners.

Anti-Drug Campaigns Intensify

Meanwhile, the Anti-Narcotics Unit has ramped up nationwide sensitization efforts against drug abuse targeting learners and communities during the holiday. The campaign involves local leaders and security committees to identify commonly abused substances and strengthen community vigilance against drug trafficking.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has urged parents to engage actively with their children during the break, fostering open dialogue and supportive environments to help them make responsible decisions.

Enforcement Operations Continue

NTSA regional teams are conducting joint enforcement along major highways to enhance transport safety amid increased traffic flow as schools close.