Education

No early midterm over Finance Bill protest concerns, Education ministry says

Protesters react after police use teargas to disperse them during a demonstration in Nairobi against the Finance Bill 2024/2025, on June 20, 2024. (Photo: REUTERS/Monicah Mwangi)

By Lucy Mumbi | Monday, June 24, 2024

The ministry reiterated its May 24, 2024, memo, which instructed all county directors of education to communicate that the mid-term break would be on June 26–28.

The Ministry of Education has clarified that term dates will remain unchanged despite some schools breaking early for midterm due to the anti-Finance Bill protests on Tuesday and Thursday.

In a statement on Monday, the ministry addressed rumours circulating on social media, asserting that reports of an early midterm on June 24, 2024, were false.

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“The dates for midterm break for all primary and secondary schools remain unchanged,” it said.

The ministry reiterated its May 24, 2024, memo, which instructed all county directors of education to communicate that the mid-term break would be on June 26–28.

“Following the disruption of the opening dates, it has been decided that the half-term dates for Term Two, 2024, be revised from June 20–23, 2024, to June 26–28, 2024. The change may require adjustments to planned activities and schedules. You are therefore directed to communicate the content of this circular to all head teachers and principals of schools under your jurisdiction,” read the memo.

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu confirmed that all boarding school learners were expected to report back on Monday, July 1, 2024.

Rumours of an early mid-term break, which spread on Monday, caused uproar among Kenyans, prompting some schools to close early as a precaution against the planned protests.

A spot check by The Eastleigh Voice in Nairobi’s central business district found students from several schools heading home.

Parents reported that some children started returning as early as Saturday, June 22, 2024, due to concerns over safety during the protests. Thus far, two people have died as the police used tear gas and water cannons to tame the demonstrations. They have also been accused of using live bullets.

Belinda Moraa, a parent, said, “My child came on Saturday. He had called on Monday. He'll be going back on July 2. The safety of our children is very important. I hope parents who have been surprised by the sudden change get a fair start."

Other parents, like Zipporah Wambui, chose to fetch their children from school well in advance for safety reasons.

“I called to request for him to come today instead of tomorrow (Tuesday). We can't gamble with their lives,” Wambui said.

Protesters against the controversial bill have vowed to continue demonstrations nationwide to prevent members of parliament from passing it.

The protests, organised under the hashtag #RejectFinanceBill, aim to oppose provisions for various tax increases and economic measures that critics argue will burden ordinary citizens.