By Bonface Mulyungi

Parents of Upper Hill School students were on Thursday night, June 4, instructed to pick up their children following unrest at the school. 

In a notice to parents and guardians, the school’s management stated that the decision was taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the students’ safety. 

“Due to the unrest currently being experienced in some schools across the country and signs of restlessness within our school, parents/guardians are advised to pick their sons from school today as a precautionary measure to ensure their safety and well-being,” the notice read in part. 

The development comes amid a surge in schools that have closed temporarily amid concerns of growing unrest among the students.

Alliance High School was closed indefinitely after ten students were apprehended over an attempted arson attack that razed a store. 

Loreto High School in Limuru was also closed after unrest disrupted learning, while Lenana School sent students home following disturbances at the institution.

Further, St George’s Girls Secondary School released students following reports of unrest in neighbouring schools. The school’s management said the majority of students expressed discomfort about remaining in school.

Despite the wave of student unrest and protests across several institutions, the Ministry of Education officially ruled out a nationwide early closure or blanket mid-term break. 

“We have no plans for an unscheduled closure of schools. Learning is continuing normally in 99 per cent of our schools, while only around 0.8 percent have experienced challenges. Our focus is on addressing issues in the affected institutions while ensuring that all learners continue with their education without disruption,” Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok stated.