Schools across Kenya have made an unexpected decision to release students for mid-term break earlier than planned, the decision has caught many parents off-guard since most schools in the country have resolved to release students earlier than their projected time for their mid-term break. Parents have been left struggling on transportation and other expenses that were occassioned by the decision. The rush has been linked to the recent unrest and demonstrations, ‘maandamano’, over the Finance Bill 2024.
Unanticipated Announcements
The sudden notice from schools has shocked most parents. For example, Ms. Rosemary Wangeci, whose daughter is in Form 2 at one boarding school on the outskirts of Nairobi, received a message on Saturday, June 23, asking her to pick her daughter on Monday, June 25, instead of Wednesday, June 26 as earlier arranged.
Message Sent to Parents
One of the messages sent to parents read:
“Dear parent/guardian, due to the ongoing maandamano, you are hereby requested to pick your child from school for mid-term break on Mon 24/6/24 from 10:00 am instead of the earlier communicated date. She is expected to report back on Monday 1/7/24 by 1 pm. Please make arrangements for picking her on this day and time.
Financial Strain on Parents
This sudden change has thrown many parents into a financial squeeze, with some not yet having received their June salaries. They are now forced to dig deeper into their pockets to cater for the increased bus fare or cover long distances on short notice to pick up children. “This abrupt change burdens families with not only added expenses but also other inconveniences,” said Elizabeth Mwende, another parent.
Impact of Demonstrations
Increased protests against the Finance Bill 2024 have increased uncertainty, leading to precautionary school measures for the safety of students. Many schools are now sending off their students and pupils home earlier than usual so that they get good time to travel back home before chaos disrupts transport and movement.
Government’s Role and Previous Challenges
This was after the Ministry of Education had postponed the second and third terms’ academic calendar following devastating floods that ravaged the country. Second term was to start on 29th April but was pushed forward to 13th May. The extension was inevitable following President William Ruto’s address to the nation where he announced an indefinite school reopening postponement over the floods.
Parents’ Dilemma
Parents are thus torn between the need to protect their children from harm and the sudden financial burden of organizing transport. The recent unrest in Nairobi and other parts of the country only adds to their concerns.
Statements from Parents
“It’s good to take these precautionary measures, but I am concerned because some parents now have to suddenly travel for hundreds of kilometres to pick their children at short notice,” said Elizabeth Mwende.
For Agnes Ndunge, whose daughter is in boarding school, the abrupt resolution translates into scampering for funds to raise bus fare and the logistical nightmare of coordinating travel plans.