Some schools in Kangemi closed despite reopening directive by the government
Kangemi Primary School, Kihumbini Primary School and New Kihumbini Primary School remain closed, even after Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu and Interior Security CS Abraham Kithure Kindiki declared that schools could be reopened on July 21.
In Kabete Lab a few pupils reported but they were sent back home over security concerns.
The joint directive came a day after day primary and secondary schools in Nairobi, Kisumu and Mombasa were closed due to security threats stemming from the ongoing anti-government protests.
According to the Cabinet Secretaries’ statements, the decision to reopen schools came after a security assessment in the three major cities.
“It is hereby directed that all day primary and secondary schools in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu Counties re-open for normal school activities on July 20, 2023. The Government has taken adequate measures to guarantee the safety and security of learners and their schools across the country,” the statement read in part.
In the previous anti-government protests, the pupils of Kihumbuini Primary School in Kangemi had a distressing incident on Wednesday, July 12th, as they fainted after being teargassed by anti-riot police officers dispersing protesters.
Reports suggested that the pupils, who were on a break and playing in the school compound, were caught in the crossfire between the police and protesters accused of looting local shops.
“The pupils who were teargassed were not even part of the ongoing anti-government mass actions,” an eyewitness lamented.
The incident sparked condemnation from numerous human rights organizations, and the Education Cabinet Secretary visited the schools last week.