Students and parents have been left stranded, leading to a slight commotion outside the St George's Girls' Secondary School in Nairobi after the administration blocked them from entering the institution.
Speaking outside the school on Thursday, the parents noted that confusion had erupted outside the gates as the institution's administration locked out Form 4 students attempting to return to classes.
Frustrated parents expressed their concerns about the ongoing situation, with one parent highlighting the financial burden the delays were causing families.
"We've been here yesterday at a cost, right? We are here today at a cost. And we've been told to come back on Tuesday. So, the question is, why should parents feel victimized? Like, we are being punished. We didn't strike," one parent said.
Another parent questioned the impact on the students' performance as the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination approaches.
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"How do they expect form four students to perform if they are not letting them in school? We have cleared the school fees, so what's the issue?" he asked.
The situation was further complicated by ongoing safety concerns among parents regarding the teaching staff. One parent expressed worry about a particular teacher they observed at the school.
"So, we saw him taking a border-border here, and the students say that this is the teacher who slapped another girl. So, we are also worried like parents. We are not secure and sure about our kids so that we will leave here," the parent stated.
The lockout has left Form 4 students, who are in their final year of secondary education, unable to access their classes during a critical period in their academic calendar.
The current standoff stems from events that unfolded earlier this month. On September 8, St George's Girls' Secondary School was forced to close following overnight student protests.
The school closure was prompted by disturbances that erupted after allegations surfaced that a teacher had physically assaulted a student for leaving the dormitory to observe the lunar eclipse that occurred on Sunday night.
The Deputy County Commissioner of Dagoretti North Sub-County had announced the closure decision, stating, "We have made the decision as the security team and the board, and have declared the school closed. Further communications will be made later. Investigations on what transpired last night are ongoing."
The incident allegedly triggered widespread outrage among the student body, resulting in significant unrest within the school compound that continued well into the night.
Law enforcement officers were deployed to the school premises to restore order as the situation escalated, while concerned parents converged on the school to help de-escalate tensions and ensure their children's safety.
By Monday morning following the protests, the school compound was filled with students gathered outside while administrators, parents, and police worked to address the unfolding crisis.
